Scientists at McGill University in Montreal have reported that playing Tetris works more effectively to fix lazy eye than other traditional methods.
A small study of adults found that playing the video game of falling blocks speeds up the process of strengthening the lazy eye more than the usual practice of putting a patch over the stronger eye, reports the BBC.
One group was given special goggles that allowed one eye to see the falling blocks and the other eye to see only the fallen blocks on the bottom of the screen. The other group used the traditional method of patching the strong eye.
The group that was allowed to use both eyes with the goggles improved significantly more quickly than the patched group.
“When we get the two eyes working together, we find the vision improves,” said Dr. Robert Hess.
Hess also said this treatment could work for any number of computer or video games, not just Tetris. Amblyopia, commonly referred to as lazy eye, affects one in 50 children. Doctors aim to fix the condition so that it does not become a permanent hindrance.