American scientists concluded that computer and video games, especially shooters, can improve vision by increasing contrast sensitivity and the ability to distinguish shades of gray.
Another study by American scientists has proven that computer and video games are beneficial for vision. The specialists put forward the theory that shooters such as Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and Left 4 Dead help improve contrast sensitivity — the human ability to distinguish objects that do not differ much in brightness from the background on which they are located.To prove their assumption, a study was conducted in which 22 students took part, and they were divided into two groups. The first played the shooters Call of Duty 2 and Unreal Tournament 2004, while the second played The Sims 2, where quick reactions are not required. The study lasted nine weeks. During this time, the students spent 50 hours playing games.
The scientists managed to find that the first group improved their ability to distinguish shades of gray by an average of 43 percent. No such improvements were recorded among the students who played The Sims 2. It is also noted that people who regularly play shooters distinguish shades of gray 58 percent better than those who are not interested in games.
According to the researchers, this happens because action games force the human visual system to work at the limit of its capabilities. Over time, the brain adapts to the new conditions, as a result of which vision improves.
The specialists note that in the future games may become a good addition to standard methods of improving visual contrast sensitivity (wearing glasses or surgery). The results obtained in the study may help people who, for example, have difficulties driving at night.