'Video games could offer vision benefits'

15:00 30th March 2009

Playing video games can help to boost sensitivity to colour contrasts in adults, according to new research from the United States.

The study revealed that although contrast sensitivity was previously thought to remain unchanged, playing video games leaves players more able to identify slight changes in colour shades, reports the BBC.

Video game computer training could therefore potentially be used as a way of improving the ability in adults, especially as contrast sensitivity is important when visibility is low.

Professor Gary Rubin, of the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, told the BBC: "Contrast sensitivity is a very basic visual function and usually they are more difficult to alter in adulthood. This is a small study showing a small effect, but it was carefully done and merits further investigation."

Research was conducted by a team from the University of Rochester in New York and found that people playing games involving aiming and shooting developed sustained improvements in their contrast sensitivity.

Plans from BT to test high-speed broadband connections in several UK cities could enable homeowners to play games on the internet more effectively.