Computer Game Could Help Visually-Impaired Children Live Independently

University of Lincoln (10/31/14) Cerri Evans
University of Lincoln researchers are developing Eyelander, a computer game they say could help visually-impaired children lead independent lives. The game focuses on improving the functional vision of children who have sight issues due to a brain injury rather than damage to the eye itself. "We are tapping into the brain's innate ability to adapt (also known as neuroplasticity), and because substantial changes in vision are possible even into adulthood, this could yield real results," says Lincoln computational neuroscientist Jonathan Waddington. He says the game combines scientific knowledge of neuroscience and psychology with expertise in game development. "Clinical trials will get under way this summer to evaluate whether the software could become a valuable new tool for the treatment of children and young adults with visual impairments," Waddington says. The game also features advanced options to adapt the difficulty to the specific cognitive and visual impairment of the person playing. "Research has already shown that this type of training can lead to significant recovery of sight following damage to visual centers of the brain in adults, so it is vital that those using it are motivated by something interesting and engaging," says Lincoln professor Timothy Hodgson.