Night blindness is a common eye problem. As the name suggests, it is the inability to see clearly in dark environments, particularly experienced at night time. Also known as nyctalopia, people suffering from this condition cannot see clearly or see at all in dimly lit environments.
Night blindness, in general, has many types and subcategories. Some of these are common and treatable, while others cannot be treated. If you think you're suffering from night blindness, contact your optometrist immediately.
In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about nyctalopia/night blindness.
The Causes of Night Blindness
Night blindness can either be experienced due to old age or due to the following conditions:
- (Eye lenses getting cloudy)
- Glaucoma
- Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Lack of Vitamin A
- Diabetes
- Retinitis Pigmentosa (Dark pigment gathering in the retina)
These are the most common causes of night blindness. People living beyond 65 years of age are more likely to suffer from the above-stated conditions that can lead to night blindness. To find out the core reason behind night blindness, a detailed eye exam is recommended.
The Symptoms of Night Blindness
The common obvious symptom of night blindness is, of course, the inability to see clearly at night. Your eyes are designed to adjust according to the environment you're in. This adjustment takes time. Have you ever walked into a fully lit room from a dark room? Your eyes struggle to adjust immediately to the bright environment, right? This adjustment occurs when your pupil dilates or shrinks. In the case of night blindness, your pupil loses its ability to effectively respond or change to a dimly lit environment. At night time, our pupils slightly dilate in order to trap more light rays in our eyes. This entire phenomenon is controlled by two cells, the cone, and the rod cell. If these cells are affected somehow by the above-mentioned eye problems or old age, nyctalopia occurs.
The Treatment of Night Blindness
Once you get an eye exam after witnessing symptoms of nyctalopia, your doctor might also take your blood sample for testing. In case the cause is linked with another eye problem, your doctor would recommend getting treatment for the linked disease. The possible issues linked with night blindness are mentioned above. All of them can be treated with surgery, care, diet, etc. Only genetic conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa cannot be treated. It is a hereditary condition that causes nyctalopia. Patients suffering from this condition are advised to avoid driving at night and wear anti-glare spectacles.
Prevention is Key!
Unless it is genetically transferred, night blindness can and should be prevented by taking certain steps. A healthy diet, especially consisting of Vitamin A, can greatly improve your eye health and even let you see better at night. Moreover, ensure you limit your screen time or wear anti-blue light glasses to save your eyes from harmful light rays. Remember, your best bet at dealing with night blindness is to prevent eye problems that lead to night blindness. Prevention is better than cure!