The effect of visual training on visual function in adults with self-reported reading difficulties

Reading difficulties (RD) affect more than 6.3 million people in the United Kingdom. Previous research suggests that adults with RD may have reduced visual attention, which contributes to the inability to read. Studies on dyslexic children reported that 20 hours of visual training by video gaming improved visual function more so than a year of reading therapy. Yet, it is unknown whether adults display the same improvements. In this study, initially adults without RD with a previous video gaming experience were assessed. Visual function was measured using psychophysical tests. The results confirmed that gamers had generally higher contrast sensitivity (CS) compared to non-gamers, specifically at temporal CS 20 Hz (p = 0.006). Secondly, participants took part in a 120-hour video-game-based training period, using either an action or casual game, to establish whether training improves CS. The results indicated that it is possible to train the human visual system and enhance CS especially action game training at peripheral temporal CS 24 Hz (p =