What Is Night Blindness?
While it may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, not being able to see in the dark as well as you once did may actually be an eye issue known as night blindness. While it can develop gradually over time, night blindness is not a problem to ignore and could require the attention of an optometrist to prevent it from worsening.
Night blindness can be an indicator of several other problems with a person’s eyes. Luckily, the causes are often treatable and it may be possible to restore an affected person’s vision to its former state.
1. What Is the Scientific Term for Night Blindness?
Night blindness is technically referred to as nyctalopia. In addition to causing problems with being able to see in the dark, nyctalopia can create issues with adjusting to any change in lighting. This can make moving from dark areas to light areas or looking at something with a glare difficult.
Even if a person has never had vision problems before, night blindness can be a warning sign of other eye problems, some of which can be serious. As the underlying condition develops and changes over time, night blindness may grow better or worse.
2. What Causes Night Blindness?
Night blindness occurs when an eye problem affects your retinas’ ability to adjust to changes in light. There are a few different reasons a person might develop night blindness. In some cases, the condition is genetic and may be caused by an underlying illness such as retinitis pigmentosa or similar hereditary issues.
In addition to being related to genetic eye conditions, night blindness can also occur over time as a person develops other eye issues. While cataracts can be one common cause of night blindness, in other cases the problem may be related to vitamin A deficiency.
3. Who Is Most at Risk for Night Blindness?
Night blindness may occur to almost anyone, but some are more likely to develop it than others. People who have a history of eye problems, especially genetic or degenerative issues, can be at high risk for developing night blindness. A family history of eye issues may also increase risk, even if the individual has not experienced problems before.
People without access to proper nutrition may suffer from night blindness due to a lack of essential nutrients, such as Vitamin A, that are important for the proper functioning of their eyes. The condition may also be more common in people as they age.
4. What Are the Symptoms of Night Blindness?
While night blindness is a condition that appears gradually over time, there are still ways to identify it as it begins to become more serious. If a person starts to notice changes in their ability to navigate rooms in the dark, night blindness is a likely cause.
Some commonly experienced symptoms of people with night blindness include difficultly driving in the dark, problems walking around dim or darkened areas, and struggling to adjust to light changes in a room as quickly as before. Other symptoms can include pain in the eyes, headaches, and other difficulties with vision.
5. Can Night Blindness Cause Long-Term Complications?
Some of the biggest issues related to night blindness include accidents that result from poor vision. If you or someone you know is struggling with being able to see in the dark or adjusting to changing light conditions, there are some precautions that should be taken.
Driving at night can be a big risk for people with night blindness. They should ensure that they are able to get a ride after dark and do their necessary driving during daylight hours. Moving around in any dark space can also create a hazard of bumping into obstacles and tripping. Lights should always be switched on when moving through a dark area.
6. When Should a Person with Night Blindness See an Optometrist?
If a person who has a pre-existing eye condition starts to notice new or more severe night blindness they should contact their optometrist. Similarly, anyone who notices significant changes in their vision, whether they have a history of eye problems or not, should schedule an appointment to get their eyes looked at in the near future.
While not a life-threatening condition, night blindness should not be taken lightly. It is worth getting a checkup to ensure that the affected individual gets the help they need to keep vision problems from getting worse.
7. How Is Night Blindness Diagnosed?
A patient who is suffering from night blindness will need to work with an optometrist to find out what is causing it. This may involve going through the patient’s medical history as well as receiving a thorough eye examination.
Once the underlying cause has been identified, more appointments may be necessary to follow up and ensure that the proper treatment is being used. If more intensive care is needed, the patient may need to schedule further appointments as well.
8. Can Night Blindness Be Reversed?
The treatment for night blindness depends on the cause. If cataracts are affecting a person’s vision, surgery to remove affected lenses may solve the issue. Unfortunately, in cases where the underlying reason for night blindness is related to a hereditary issue, restoring night vision may not be likely.
For cases where night blindness is a result of a vitamin deficiency, supplements may be prescribed to help fix the problem. Whether the symptoms of night blindness can be fully reversed or not can be highly dependant on the situation from case to case.
9. What Other Treatments for Night Blindness Are There?
In addition to the treatments listed above, there are other options for remedies that may help alleviate symptoms. These options can often help improve a person’s vision even in cases where a permanent solution is not an option.
Alternative treatments can include medications as well as specially prescribed corrective lenses that may help improve a person’s vision in the dark. The affected person’s optometrist will be able to help them decide on the best option.
10. How Can Night Blindness Be Prevented?
Preventative care to protect against developing night blindness may help you maintain healthy eyes for longer. Proper eye care can involve eating plenty of foods that contain vitamin A, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and mangos. An overall well-balanced diet is also a great idea since it should help your eyes stay healthy and improve the health of your entire body.
While there is no definite way to ensure that you never experience night blindness, the risks can be lowered. If you or someone you know experience symptoms, an eye doctor can help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
