Night blindness, which is also known as nyctalopia. It is a condition where the eye is not able to adapt to low-light conditions, such as at nighttime. The cause of night blindness is an underlying ocular problem; it is not a separate medical condition.
The eye has to adjust to low light. Night blindness does not result in total blindness, even if it negatively impacts a person’s vision in low light. It may cause issues seeing road signals while driving at night. Additionally, the eye may take longer than usual to adjust when moving from bright to dark settings.
A number of underlying conditions can induce night blindness, which is one of its symptoms. In the further lines, we will discuss, symptoms, possible causes, and treatments of night blindness.
What are the symptoms of night blindness?
Night blindness is a condition that impairs vision in low light and is a symptom of an underlying eye condition. For instance, night blindness may make it impossible for a person to see obstacles in a dark room or stars at night.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology advises people to consider the following inquiries while determining whether they have night blindness:
- Is driving at night increasingly difficult?
- Is moving around the house in the dim light a challenge?
- Does it take a long time to see in a darkened room after being in the light?
- Does it take an abnormally long time to adjust to a light room after being in the dark?
- Is it tricky to recognize faces in dim light?
Night blindness may also cause additional symptoms. The nature of these symptoms will be based on the underlying cause but can include
- Eye pain, headaches
- Vomiting, nausea
- Cloud or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
Possible causes
Night blindness is generally the result of one of several conditions, many of which can be treated. Conditions may include-
Glaucoma
A group of disorders known as glaucoma are generally caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending pressure from the eye to the brain. It could result in long-term visual impairment.
Cataracts
cataracts generally happen, when the lens of the eye becomes hazy. It generally occurs when proteins in the lens break down, generally due to aging. Visibility can be affected by lens clouding, especially in low light.
Near-sightedness
Myopia, the medical term for near-sightedness, is the inability of a person to view distant objects clearly. It happens when the eye ages too much and loses its ability to concentrate light properly.
Retinitis pigmentosa
These are a collection of uncommon eye conditions that harm the retina. It’s a genetic condition that makes it hard to see in dim light.
Retinitis pigmentosa
These are a collection of uncommon eye conditions that harm the retina. It’s a genetic condition that makes it hard to see in dim light.
Vitamin A deficiency
Retinol, often known as vitamin A, is a necessary component for vision. For instance, it comprises a protein in the retina that facilitates light absorption and eye function. Vitamin A deficiencies may have a severe impact on vision.
Treatment of night blindness
Treatment for night blindness will differ based on the cause. Wearing particular kinds of glasses or contact lenses, which can promote correct eyesight, may be part of the treatment. Additionally, sunglasses may shield the eyes from UV rays, which can worsen existing eye damage.
When the cause is a deficiency of vitamin A, treatment involves adding extra Vitamin A to the diet. Suitable sources of vitamin A consist of:
- Cod liver oil
- Eggs
- Fortified cereals
- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
- Leafy, dark green vegetables
- Fortified milk
In more severe cases, eye surgery can be required. For instance, LASIK is a kind of surgery where the cornea is reshaped to enhance vision. Other kinds of surgery may intend to remove a cataract from the eye or to relieve pressure in the eyesight for the treatment of glaucoma. Night blindness may not always be curable. Retinitis pigmentosa presently has no effective treatments, although specific eye devices and therapy services can improve symptoms and quality of life.
Precautions could be beneficial in reducing some of the risks associated with night blindness. It might mean avoiding driving at night or trying to avoid moving or navigating in the dark.
You may also read- https://viralinfos.com/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-prevention/
