Diplopia, a virtual reality game created to treat amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eye), is currently raising funds via Indiegogo.
With the help of Oculus Rift, Diplopia works by sending a separate, distorted image to each eye. According to the game's Indiegogo page, a simple game only requires 1-2 hours a day for 2-3 weeks to improve vision. You can watch creator James Blaha explain the game in the video above.
"By displaying game elements in different contrast ratios to each eye, the player's brain is able to integrate all of the information, perceiving it in three dimensions," Blaha said.
The game will include play options for those with crossed or lazy eyes, as well as normal vision.
"These strategies have been shown to be up to six times more effective than the typical treatment, patching, which is often ineffective for children because of how extremely unpleasant it can be," Blaha wrote on the Indiegogo page. "Diplopia will offer a fun, effective, alternative to patching that can keep the attention of a child (or adult) long enough to treat them.
"I was told by doctors my whole life that I could never see in three dimensions like everyone else. By backing this project you can give the gift of better vision to those of us who lack it."
The campaign has 48 days left and is a flexible endeavor, meaning funds would have been received even without reaching its $2,000 goal. At the time of this post, the campaign has raised more than $4,000. Additional stretch goals include nVidia 3D vision support and minigames.
Doctors and researchers alike have used games to help treat vision. Tetris was proven to show a four-fold improvement in treating lazy eye, while rehabilitation games can help improve children's eyesight while keeping them engaged.
