The definition for Eye tracking as seen in the Oxford dictionary is as follows

“The recording and study of the movements of the eyes in following a moving object, lines of printed text, or other visual stimulus, used as a diagnostic procedure.”

How does eye tracking work?

Eye tracking involves directing a light (almost similar to infrared) at the viewer’s pupils, which results in reflections being created in the cornea. A camera then traces the aforementioned reflections, which inturn helps to trace the point of view of the user. This technology is able to tell the difference between a user’s iris and pupil as light bounces off when it hits the iris but is absorbed by the pupil. Fortunately humans aren’t able to see infra-red light (or anything similar) so it isn’t distracting whatsoever.

The following infograph can further help you fuel your curiosity (Image credit Dr Elvira FischeriMotions)

Applications of eye tracking

Eye tracking technology has a wide range of applications in various fields. Here are some of the common applications of eye tracking:

Human-computer interaction: Eye tracking is used in the design of user interfaces and software applications. It enables developers to understand how users interact with their products and optimize the user experience.
Market research: Eye tracking is used to understand how consumers interact with products in stores and online. It helps companies to understand what catches the attention of consumers and what influences their buying decisions.
Gaming: Eye tracking is used in gaming to provide a more immersive experience for players. It allows game developers to create games that respond to the player’s gaze and provide a more natural and intuitive gaming experience.
Healthcare: Eye tracking is used in healthcare to diagnose and treat various conditions. It is used to diagnose neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. It is also used to help people with disabilities to communicate and control their environment.
Sports: Eye tracking is used in sports to analyze and improve athlete performance. It helps coaches to understand how athletes focus their attention and make decisions during games.
Advertising: Eye tracking is used in advertising to measure the effectiveness of ads. It helps advertisers to understand which parts of the ad capture the viewer’s attention and how to optimize their ad campaigns.

Specifically in the monitor and gaming industry, eye tracking has the following applications:

Gameplay optimization: Eye tracking is used in gaming to optimize the gameplay experience. It allows game developers to create games that respond to the player’s gaze and provide a more natural and intuitive gaming experience. For example, a game can adjust the difficulty level based on how the player is performing or allow the player to control the camera with their gaze.
Streamer content creation: Eye tracking is used by streamers to create more engaging content for their audience. It allows streamers to show their viewers where they are looking on the screen, which can help them to explain their thought process and strategy.
Immersive experience: Eye tracking is used to create a more immersive gaming experience. It allows the game to respond to the player’s gaze, which can make the game feel more realistic and natural.
Monitor optimization: Eye tracking is used in monitor technology to optimize the viewing experience. For example, a monitor can adjust the brightness and contrast based on the user’s gaze to reduce eye strain and provide a more comfortable viewing experience.
Accessibility: Eye tracking is used to make gaming more accessible for people with disabilities. For example, people with physical disabilities can use eye tracking to control the game instead of a keyboard or mouse.

In short

All in all, eye tracking is a very useful development that has a number of applications in our everyday lives whether it be healthcare or gaming.