(Photo : hodgson.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk) The Eyelander Video Game
A team of neuroscientists and video game specialists from the University of Lincoln along with the WESC Foundation in the U.K are developing a new video game called the "Eyelander."
The "Eyelander" video game aims to improve vision in children which will help them live independently. It intends to help children with vision problems that were caused by an injury to the brain, rather than damage to the eye itself.
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Vision is very important to live an independent life. It's needed to perform daily tasks such as going to the supermarket or crossing the street.
Jonathan Waddington, a computational neuroscientist and one of the researchers said, "What we are aiming to do is improve the patient's functional vision, which is needed to perform tasks of independent living."
"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," Waddington said.
The Eyelander game features erupting volcanoes, travelling characters and animated environments.
"The game draws on existing training programs, which only offer black and white, two-dimensional shapes, and no interaction." said Waddington.
"The key to making the game successful is that we have combined our knowledge of neuroscience and psychology with expertise in game development so it is both effective and engaging."
In the game, players will first have to help Eyelander, the main figure, to escape from an island due to a volcanic eruption. The character then has to cross 12 different levels.
The theme of the game changes and colors come into being as the player progresses from one stage to another.
Game Specialist Conor Linehan, along with Psychology Professor Timothy Hodgson of the university's School of Computer Science and School of Psychology respectively, are currently testing Eyelander at the WESC Foundation.
They said clinical trials will begin next summer to assess whether the gaming software becomes a successful tool for the treatment of visual impairment.
TagsNeuroscience , Neuroscientists , video game , University of Lincoln , WESC Foundation , UK , Eyelander , Visually Impaired Children , Neuroplasticity , psychology , Computer Science , Game Development