The Eye

Video games helps to improve vision. Playing action video games can boost an aspect of adult vision previously thought to be fixed, a US study shows. Researchers found playing the games improved the ability to notice even very small changes in shades of grey against a uniform background. "Contrast sensitivity" is important in situations such as driving at night, or in conditions of poor visibility. The Nature Neuroscience study raises the possibility of using a video game training regime to improve vision. Contrast sensitivity is often one of the first aspects of vision to be affected by ageing.  It can also be affected by conditions such as amblyopia, known as "lazy eye". Improving contrast sensitivity usually requires physical changes in eye optics, through eye surgery, glasses or contact lenses. A team from the University of Rochester studied expert video game players playing games involving aiming and shooting at virtual targets. They found

Up to 90% of school leavers in major Asian cities are suffering from myopia(short-sightedness)and scientists are blaming their academic lifestyles. Natural light exposure is just one potential factor in a child's eyesight. The time children spend outdoors could be linked to a reduced risk of being short-sighted, research suggests.   Researchers say the "extraordinary rise" in the problem is being caused by students working very hard in school and missing out on outdoor light. They also found a strong link between short-sightedness and close reading. The work of Professor Ian Morgan, from the  Australian National University in Canberra , and colleagues, suggest the condition - also known as myopia - is due more to environmental than genetic factors. The scientists told  The Lancet medical journal  that up to one in five of these students could experience severe visual impairment and even blindness. According to the research, the problem is being caused by a