SHEDDING LIGHT ON NIGHT BLINDNESS

Night blindness, nyctalopia, is a condition which makes it difficult to see well at night or in poor or low light conditions. Although night blindness adversely affects a person’s ability to see in dim light or take longer than usual to adapt from light to dark settings, it does not cause complete blindness. It is not a vision condition itself but is rather a symptom of another problem or the result of an existing vision disorder. Because it reduces vision, it can significantly impact quality of life and can be a source of fear and anxiety for those affected by it.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NIGHT BLINDNESS?

The main symptoms of night blindness are difficulty seeing in the dark, trouble adjusting when moving from a bright environment to an area of low light or increasing problems when driving at night due to the intermittent brightness of headlights and streetlights. It may be challenging to move around the house in dim light and is sometimes difficult to recognise faces in low light conditions. Other symptoms that may occur depend on the underlying cause of the condition, and may include headaches, eye strain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and difficulty with distance vision.

WHAT CAUSES NIGHT BLINDNESS?

Night blindness is a symptom of an underlying eye condition that results in vision impairment while in dim lighting. A wide range of conditions makes it hard to see at night. One of the early symptoms of cataracts is often night blindness, due to the gradual clouding of the eye’s lens which distorts light entering the eyes.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic disorder which affects the retina, causing tunnel vision and a decline in night vision. Certain health conditions which affect the absorption of nutrients, including the essential vitamins for eye health such as vitamin A and zinc, have been linked to night vision problems.

Diabetic retinopathy, one of the complications of diabetes, can affect the ability to see in low light.

Complications after LASIK surgery are uncommon, but some people have complained of vision problems, which may become more noticeable or bothersome at night or in low light conditions.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR NIGHT BLINDNESS?

Depending on the underlying cause, some types of night blindness are treatable, and the solution may be simple, while others cannot be treated. Wearing sunglasses, as well as protecting the eyes against harmful UV rays, can help ease the transition from a brightly lit area into a darker environment. Cataracts can be removed surgically, and the cloudy lens replaced with a clear artificial lens. Vitamin A deficiency is manageable with dietary changes and/or vitamin supplements.

Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular eye examinations can minimise the effects of diabetic retinopathy, although cannot reverse visual damage that has occurred.

Unfortunately, genetic conditions that cause problems with night vision are generally not treatable. Retinitis pigmentosa currently has no effective treatments, although certain eye devices and therapy services may improve symptoms and quality of life.

CAN PROBLEMS WITH NIGHT VISION BE PREVENTED?

An awareness of the factors that influence eye health and healthy lifestyle habits can help to prevent certain conditions that impact the eyes and vision.

To reduce the risk of cataracts and other conditions, protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet light by wearing sunglasses, even on cloudy days. Eat foods rich in antioxidants and eye-healthy vitamins and minerals, for example green leafy vegetables, fish, eggs and orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, which are excellent sources of vitamin A.

Regular eye examinations can help your optometrist to monitor and manage eye diseases and to detect vision and general health problems before symptoms have emerged. Early detection and treatment is the key to ongoing healthy vision.