Video games are often demonized as a waste of time and harmful to one’s health. However, recent research suggests that video games may have some unexpected benefits, particularly when it comes to eyesight.

Improved Visual Acuity

Video games require a great deal of concentration, quick reaction times, and hand-eye coordination. Because of this, playing video games can improve your visual acuity and ability to distinguish between different shades of color.

Researchers from the University of Rochester found that people who played action video games had better visual attention and could better discern shades of gray, compared to those who didn’t play video games.

Enhanced Contrast Sensitivity

Contrast sensitivity is your ability to distinguish between shades of gray. Studies have shown that playing certain video games can enhance contrast sensitivity and improve your ability to see in low-contrast environments.

A study from the University of Southern California found that people who played action games, such as first-person shooters, had better contrast sensitivity than those who played non-action games.

Treatment for Lazy Eye

Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a condition where one eye is weaker than the other. Traditionally, doctors have prescribed patching therapy to the stronger eye, to strengthen the weaker eye.

However, studies have shown that video games may be an effective treatment for lazy eye.

In a study published in the Journal of Vision, researchers found that children who played video games with their weaker eye had better visual acuity and binocular vision, compared to those who did patching therapy.

Decreased Risk of Cataracts

Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are common in older people. However, playing video games may reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that playing video games could increase blood flow to the eyes, which can help prevent cataract formation.

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Improved Depth Perception

Depth perception is our ability to perceive the world in three dimensions. This is particularly important for activities such as driving and sports. Studies have shown that playing video games can improve our depth perception and spatial awareness.

In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers found that people who played action video games had better depth perception and spatial awareness than those who played non-action games or didn’t play video games.

Treatment for Strabismus

Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a condition where the eyes are not aligned properly. Traditionally, treatment for strabismus has involved surgery or occlusion therapy. However, video games may be a non-invasive and effective treatment for strabismus.

In a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers found that playing video games with special goggles that forced the eyes to work together could improve eye alignment in people with strabismus.

Reduced Eye Strain

Many people spend long hours looking at computer screens, which can cause eye strain and fatigue. But playing video games can actually reduce eye strain and fatigue.

A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that playing video games for a short period of time could improve visual acuity and reduce eye strain.

Improved Peripheral Vision

Peripheral vision is our ability to see objects outside of our direct line of sight. This is particularly important for activities such as driving and sports. Studies have shown that playing action video games can improve our peripheral vision.

In a study published in Vision Research, researchers found that people who played action video games had better peripheral vision than those who played non-action games or didn’t play video games.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss in older people. However, playing video games may help prevent or delay the onset of AMD.

A study from the University of Iowa found that playing video games could improve certain aspects of visual function in older adults. The researchers suggested that playing video games could help prevent or delay the onset of AMD.