Tetris: The Old-but-Exciting Solution to Lazy Eyes

You probably know that your eyesight can be affected by spending too long playing video games. At least, that used to be the case until a recent study by doctors at McGill University found that Tetris, an iconic stack-em-up puzzle game, can help correct “lazy eyes.” Perhaps, it's no longer accurate to blame gaming itself for vision impairment (though playing too long can still be detrimental). In fact, this isn't the first time games have been beneficial for the eyes.

Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is a vision disorder where the eyes fail to correct themselves even with visual aids such as eyeglasses on. It affects at least three percent of Americans and may lead to blindness if not treated as soon as possible. Two groups of adults participated in the Tetris study: one group covering their stronger eye and the other group using both eyes but wearing special goggles. The goggles split the field of vision of both eyes, one focused on falling objects and the other on the ground.

Results showed that the second group displayed noticeable signs of improvement from lazy eyes, although the first group's vision also improved to some degree. The study said Tetris required both eyes to coordinate since players constantly shift between the falling blocks and blocks on the ground. This established the possibility of correcting loss of vision that went unabated during a person's early years. Experts consider this a breakthrough in eye health. 

Help Your Ophthalmologist, Take care of Your Eyes

The value of your eyes cannot be overstated enough. Millions of Americans are either legally blind or are visually impaired. Some are born with any one kind of visual impairment, and most get eye problems as they grow older. Some contract eye diseases or get into accidents. Keeping your eyes healthy is just one way of keeping the numbers down.

Eat a Proper Diet

By eating a proper diet, and making sure you eat your daily recommended intake of Vitamin A, you take care of your retina which performs the basic optical processing. It is also important to keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids

Protect the Eyes

Your pair of eyes are complex but very sensitive organs. Sometimes, the protection that the eyelids and the eyelashes give aren't enough to keep the eyes from harm. Particles in the air, such as wind-blown dust and other particles are small enough to damage your eyes, it is also not a good idea to stare directly at the sun because direct exposure to UV rays is harmful to the eyes.

Rest

Don't forget to rest your eyes especially when they feel strained. Resting every ten minutes or so in between reading or playing video games is a great way to keep you eyes refreshed.  

Opthalmologists and Optometrists: Tomato, Tomahto?

Some people assume that an ophthalmologist is exactly the same as an optometrist. While both professionals deal with eye care, they have distinct qualifications and perform different functions. For instance, an optometrist is qualified to prescribe corrective glasses but isn't allowed to perform delicate eye surgery. However, they can diagnose certain abnormalities and even prescribe medication.

To become an eye doctor, one has to complete an undergraduate degree, go through four years of medical school, and complete a full year of internship. Those who finally qualify to practice ophthalmology in Michigan handle the whole gamut of eye care, from prescribing glasses to performing eye surgery. Some ophthalmologists are even involved in scientific research in an effort to find a cure for certain eye conditions. On the other hand, a Doctor of Optometry or an OD and is licensed to provide only primary eyecare.

Knowing the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist enables you to go to the right person. If you merely exhibit the symptoms of being far sighted or near sighted, you can get fitted for glasses through your friendly neighborhood optometrist. However, if you're suffering from serious visual impairment, then you should schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist right away.