Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, is a visual condition that makes it difficult to see in low-light environments, such as at night or in dark places. Although it may seem harmless, it can be a sign of an underlying eye problem that should not be ignored.
What is night blindness?
Night blindness does not mean a total loss of vision at night, but rather a marked decrease in the ability to see in dim light. People with night blindness often describe difficulty adjusting when moving from a brightly lit area to a dark environment, or seeing obstacles on the road when driving after sunset.
This difficulty stems from impaired functioning of the retinal cells responsible for low-light vision: the rods.
The main causes of night blindness
Nyctalopia can have several causes, some benign and temporary, others more serious:
1. Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A plays an essential role in the production of rhodopsin, a pigment necessary for night vision. A deficiency, often linked to an unbalanced diet or intestinal absorption disorders, can cause reversible night blindness.
2. Uncorrected myopia: People with myopia often see less well in the dark, especially if their vision correction is not optimal. Simply updating the prescription can sometimes be enough to improve the situation.
3. Cataracts: Cataracts, which cause the lens of the eye to become opaque, reduce the amount of light reaching the retina. This often results in blurred night vision and increased sensitivity to headlights and bright lights.
4. Retinopathies and degenerative diseases: Certain retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration, can lead to progressive night blindness. These conditions require specialized monitoring and, in some cases, specific medical care.
5. Side effects of medications: Certain treatments, particularly those that affect the pupil or retina, can impair night vision. If in doubt, it is recommended that you talk to your eye care professional.
How is night blindness diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This may include:
- An assessment of night vision and light sensitivity;
- An examination of the back of the eye to observe the condition of the retina;
- Refraction tests to check for myopia or other visual errors;
- Blood tests, in cases of suspected Vitamin A deficiency.
Identifying the exact cause is essential in order to tailor the treatment.
Management and treatment
The management of night blindness depends directly on its cause:
- Vitamin A deficiency → supplementation and dietary adjustments (liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, green vegetables).
- Myopia → wearing correctly fitted glasses or contact lenses.
- Cataracts → surgery to replace the clouded lens.
- Retinal disease → regular ophthalmological monitoring and, depending on the case, drug treatments or protective measures (such as wearing filter glasses).
In all cases, a comprehensive optometric examination is the first step toward finding a suitable solution.
Prevention and visual hygiene
Although some causes cannot be avoided, certain habits can help preserve good night vision:
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin A.
- Protect your eyes from the sun and intense light sources.
- Avoid prolonged night driving if your vision is affected.
- See your optometrist regularly for checkups.
Night blindness is often a symptom of an underlying problem rather than a disease in itself. Although it may be benign, it always warrants professional evaluation.
At IRIS, our optometrists work to determine the cause of your discomfort and offer you the best visual solution.
