Contrary to the common belief that video games harm eyesight, a new Japanese study suggests that a specially designed virtual reality (VR) game could actually improve it—particularly for those suffering from pseudo-myopia.
Researchers at Kwansei Gakuin University found that playing a simple VR shooting game over six weeks helped reduce symptoms of pseudo-myopia, a temporary form of short-sightedness caused by prolonged screen time. The game required players to shift focus between targets at varying distances, mimicking vision therapy exercises used by eye specialists.
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The most significant improvements were seen in participants with moderate to severe symptoms, supporting the idea that their vision problems were functional rather than permanent. Notably, even players who used the game every three days experienced measurable benefits.
With plans for larger studies and possible commercial development, researchers believe this VR-based approach could become an accessible, non-invasive tool to help counteract the growing global issue of screen-related vision decline.