The mobile game is designed to train eyes visual functions in different ways: ameliorates contrast sensitivity, reaction and concentration of visual attention. It causes the visual analyzer to work more efficiently.
Just as it is natural for humans to be lazy if they are not regularly charged with some work, an eye ceases to perform its functions in the absence of a focused image. A delay in the passage of light to the retina due to a cataract, the loss of focus because of some refractive disease etc. lead to the formation of defective connections between the retina and the central visual analyzer of the brain, i.e., to amblyopia ("lazy eye").
The "Fotorybalka" or the “Photofishing” is intended to train the visual functions in an entertaining way. Training is offered for one eye and for two eyes. In the second case, the procedure should be separate for each eye. The game should be played in glasses (if assigned).
It is advised to consult with the doctor before using the program, as it is necessary to determine the initial level of complexity and duration of training.
This game is not recommended for children with acute disorders of the nervous system, as well as for children with myopia (nearsightedness) or with a tendency to spasm of accommodation (visual overload).
The most valuable feature of the game is that it trains the ability to spot selected objects on the plain background. By changing the size, speed, contrast and sharpness of the object, the program allows for several kinds of training: training of contrast sensitivity, sensorimotor reaction and of the concentration of visual attention. This eventually causes the visual analyzer to work more efficiently. Sound effects increase the impact of the training on the central visual apparatus by incorporating multiple analyzers: visual, auditory and tactile. In addition, the increase in productivity (increase in the number of bonus points at the end of the game) makes a child more eager to repeat the exercise.
The goal of the game: photograph as much fish as possible.
In order to photograph a fish:
- Press your finger to the frame, symbolizing the viewfinder of the camera;
- Without lifting your finger from the screen, draw a frame to the fish;
- Capture the fish into frame so that it does not go beyond the lines;
- Take a picture of the fish by lifting your finger (for a moment, the frame will turn yellow and there will be a click like that of a camera).
Game modes
Mode 1
This is the easiest level. It is designed to familiarize children with the game, or to be used for younger children who are just beginning to learn the basics of training on the Tablet PC. In this mode, the fish do not change size, and there are no waves. The only way to complicate the task is to increase the speed of the fish’s movements.
Mode 2
At this stage, training is focused mainly through the stimulation of sensorimotor reaction. With increase in complexity, the fish are reduced in size, while there are no waves.
Mode 3
This mode is focused mainly on the stimulation of the contrast sensitivity.
With the increase in complexity, the waves intensify, while the size of the fish remains constant. Modes 2 and 3 are designed to prepare for the effective training on the 4th (advanced) level.
Mode 4
(The main training mode)
In this mode, with increase in complexity, waves amplified and fish is reduced in size.
Speed modes
The games allows to choose 3 speed modes to enhance the effect of training:
- The slowest mode - basic;
- Medium - for experienced users of the game;
- The advanced mode - to combine the amblyopia treatment and the improvement of the sensorimotor reactions.
WARNING: Do not use higher speed mode for children with psychomotor retardation. This will reduce the effectiveness of training and cause rapid fatigue of the user, which would affect child’s desire to continue the training.