Playing action-filled video games isn’t just child’s play, and it may actually improve the sight of adults, researchers found. Contrast sensitivity, the ability to notice subtle changes in shades of gray, is the primary factor in how well someone sees, and it’s key for driving at night. In the study, contrast sensitivity in people with good vision was enhanced by playing action games like Unreal Tournament 2004 or Call of Duty 2, but not by more sedate video titles like The Sims 2. So, if you can manage to commandeer your kid’s game console tonight, your eyes may thank you.
Source: Nature Neuroscience, published online March 29, 2009