Advanced treatment for Amblyopia / Lazy Eye utilizing a Virtual Reality (VR) game. The game provides a solution to Lazy Eye through a technique that forces both eyes to work in unison. VR controls what each eye is exposed to and teaches the Lazy Eye to co-operate with the stronger eye.
The important aspect of Virtual Reality is the cameras are situated the same distance from each other as your eyes. Essentially, the process teaches the brain to see as you would objects in real life. VR then gives control over what each eye sees in order to exercise the Lazy Eye.
Although not all VR headsets have been tested, the game has been reported to work on most VR headsets (Daydream, SARLAR 3D Glasses, Gear VR). It is important to note that due to the lower quality of Google Cardboard, some users have reported difficulties using it.
Amblyopia / Lazy Eye is a visual disorder in which the brain partially ignores input from one eye. The game creates objects that are partially or only shown to the weaker eye in order for the brain to recognize and use the eye more frequently. Examples demonstrated in the game are:
- a white sphere that is shown to both eyes but the blue stripes are only shown to the weaker eye
- bullets that are only shown to the weaker eye
- asteroids that are darker to the stronger eye and lighter to the weaker eye
- asteroids that are only shown to the weaker eye
This method of treatment is effective for both children and adults that have amblyopia or strabismus. However, children may see more rapid results than adults.
The only requirement to play this game is a virtual reality headset that can be used with your mobile device. A virtual reality headset ensures that each eye works in unison and separately. Other methods, such as 3D glasses, allow shadows that decrease the therapeutic results. The quality of the game will depend on your mobile device and headset.