Vision - night blindness
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Night blindness may cause problems with driving in the evening or at night. People with night blindness often have trouble seeing the stars on a clear night.
- Cataracts
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Certain drugs
- Birth defects
In some cases, the eyes may simply have trouble adapting to darkness. The problem may not be due to another medical condition. However, it is often linked to myopia (nearsightedness).
Take safety measures to prevent accidents in the areas of low light. Avoid driving a car at night.
Vitamin A supplements may be helpful.
It is important to have a complete eye exam to determine the cause, which may be treatable. Call your eye doctor if symptoms of night blindness persist or significantly affect your life.
Your health care provider will examine you and your eyes. The goal of the medical exam is to determine if the problem can be corrected (for example, with new glasses or cataract removal), or if the problem is due to something more serious.
The doctor may ask you questions, including:
- When did the night blindness begin?
- Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
- Does it happen all the time or just sometimes?
- How severe is the night blindness?
- Are you nearsighted?
- Do you have other vision changes?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Do you have unusual stress, anxiety, or a fear of the dark?
- Does use of corrective lenses improve night vision?
- What medications do you use?
- How is your diet?
- Have you recently injured your eyes or head?
- Do you have a family history of diabetes?
A slit lamp examination may be done.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
