The effect of videogame training on distance visual acuity (DVA) and stereo acuity has been investigated in cases of severe-to-moderate amblyopia, but its effect on mild amblyopia and fixation stability is unknown. Looking to close this gap, researchers recently reported that home-based dichoptic videogame play may be an effective method to improve amblyopic DVA and stereo acuity in mild amblyopia.

This randomized, single-masked study included 23 participants with mild amblyopia. The active, six-week, home-based treatment was an anaglyphic, contrast-balanced dichoptic video game, and the placebo was an identical non-dichoptic game. The primary outcome was change in amblyopic DVA at six weeks. Near visual acuity, stereo acuity and fixation stability were also measured. Follow-up occurred at 12 and 24 weeks.

The team found a mean amblyopic eye DVA of 0.21±0.06logMAR and 0.18±0.06logMAR for the active and placebo groups, respectively. They noted that amblyopic DVA improved significantly more in the active group (0.09±0.05logMAR) than in the placebo group (0.03±0.04logMAR). They added that the difference between groups remained at 12 weeks but not at 24 weeks.

The investigators also discovered that Titmus stereo acuities improved significantly more in the active group (0.40log arcsec) than in the placebo group (0.09log arcsec) after six weeks of gameplay. They noted that this difference was still present at 24 weeks. They observed no differences between the groups on any other secondary outcomes.