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Night Blindness (Nyctalopia) Symptoms, Causes,& Treatment

What is Night Blindness? 

Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, is a condition in which a person has difficulty seeing in dim light or darkness or it becomes difficult for the eyes to adjust to sudden changes between bright light and darkness. Many conditions can cause it and they can affect many parts of the eye.It is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying eye disorder.Night blindness is different from complete blindness because daytime vision is not affected. Night blindness is caused by problems in the retina, specifically with the rod cells that are responsible for seeing in low light. Vitamin A deficiency, cataracts, and certain genetic disorders can cause night blindness.


Cause of Night Blindness

Eye Nutrition: Lack of Vitamin A which is essential for healthy eyes and clear vision Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a decrease in rhodopsin production resulting in night blindness.

Eye Diseases: Conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, which damages cells in the retina and can cause night blindness As the condition progresses, it leads to night blindness and eventually peripheral vision loss.

Cataracts: Cataracts are often age-related,Older adults have a higher risk of developing cataracts and a lower risk of developing them than children or young adults.It can impair vision in low light conditions, leading to night blindness.

Glaucoma: Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, affecting vision It can affect peripheral vision and the ability to see in dim light, leading to night blindness.

Refractive Errors: Common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism can cause night blindness This is because the eyes struggle to focus properly.

Genetic Conditions: Such as congenital night blindnessSome people are born with structural abnormalities in the retina or other parts of the eye that impair their ability to see at night.



Symptoms of Night Blindness

Night blindness primarily affects vision in dimly lit places, making it difficult for the eyes to adjust to low light. One of the primary areas affected is the inability to see well in the dark or in low light, resulting in challenges in everyday A activities:

  • Difficulty driving at night
  • Difficulty moving around even in low light
  • Increased glare and halos around lights
  • Slow adjustment to darkness after exposure to bright light
  • Difficulty recognizing people when there is not much light
  • Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness
  • Blurred or blurred vision at night
  • Slow adjustment to darkness after exposure to bright light
  • Increased sensitivity to glare at night


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