Night blindness
It’s no wonder that most people can’t see well in the dark. However, some people have trouble seeing at night or in dim light. This problem is called night blindness. (Eye doctors call it nyctalopia.)
Night blindness doesn’t mean you can’t see at night at all, but your vision is just weaker. Night blindness itself isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of other types of vision problems.
In some cases, severe nearsightedness causes vision problems at night or in dim light.
Certain cells in the retina are responsible for seeing in dim light. If these cells are affected by the disease, night blindness occurs.
Some eye conditions that can cause night blindness include:
Nearsightedness
Glaucoma
Prescription glaucoma medications that constrict the pupil
Cataracts
Diabetes
RP
Vitamin A deficiency
Keratoconus
Do I have night blindness?
If you are unsure whether you have night blindness, consider the following questions:
Do you have trouble seeing at night, even with a night light?
Do you find it harder to drive at night?
Do you avoid going out at night?
Do you have difficulty recognizing people's faces in the dark?
Does it take longer for your eyes to adjust when you go from darkness to light?
Similarly, does it take longer for you to see objects in a dark room?
If you are concerned about your vision in the dark or in dimly lit areas, see an eye doctor right away. A complete eye exam will help identify any problems that are affecting your vision.
Treatment for night blindness depends solely on the cause. If your refractive error is significant, getting a new prescription for glasses may be all you need to see better in dim light. In some cases, removing cataracts can lead to improved vision. Your eye doctor will tell you what is causing your night blindness and give you advice on how to improve your vision.