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Computer game helps improve daily activities in the vision impaired
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Eyelander, a free browser-based computer game, is available online to help young people with visual field loss caused by cerebral visual impairment use their vision more effectively.
The behavioral therapy in the game trains players to move their eyes more efficiently by finding the correct colorful shape in a range of competing colors and shapes shown at different positions on the screen, led by an animated avatar and punctuated with encouraging words to motivate the player, according to a press release from Eyelander.
The game was developed by a team of neuroscientists from the University of Lincoln, U.K., and the WESC Foundation, one of the U.K.’s leading specialist schools for visually impaired children, and professional games development company Mutant Labs Ltd.
Existing training programs usually offer only black-and-white, two-dimensional shapes with no interaction, according to the release. Eyelander offers colorful and engaging training through computer game play, which is often not an activity option for those with functional vision problems.
Through regular practice, the exercises can improve performance in daily activities that require good vision, such as walking more safely in a crowded environment or reaching for something in the supermarket.
Researchers believe that playing the game 10 times over 4 weeks may give users improvement in their functional vision, according to the release.
The WESC Foundation is asking for visually impaired young people to play the game and take part in further research to gather data that will advance their understanding of the complex challenges faced by young people with visual field loss.
To take part in the trial, contact Jonathan Waddington from the WESC Foundation at JWaddington@wescfoundation.ac.uk. To play the game, visit www.eyelander.co.uk.