{"id":8685,"date":"2020-10-21T11:17:36","date_gmt":"2020-10-21T11:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=8685"},"modified":"2021-08-01T09:13:14","modified_gmt":"2021-08-01T09:13:14","slug":"night-blindness-treatments-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/guide-to-blurry-vision-and-headaches\/having-difficulty-seeing-at-night\/what-causes-night-blindness\/night-blindness-treatments-and-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Night Blindness: Treatments and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

Night blindness (<\/b>nyctalopia) affects vision clarity in low light conditions and can significantly impact performance of daily activities.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Night blindness, despite its name, does not only affect night vision, but also the ability to see in dimly lit areas, such as a restaurant or theatre.<\/p>\n

If you are finding it difficult to drive at night, especially with the intense glare from the headlights of oncoming traffic, or are having trouble recognizing faces and objects in low light conditions, you may be suffering from night blindness.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Night blindness is not an eye condition in and of itself, but rather a symptom <\/i>of another underlying condition\u2014 generally stemming from an eye disease, severe or worsening myopia, or a vitamin A deficiency.<\/p>\n

How is night blindness diagnosed?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Night blindness can only be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam<\/a>.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Your eye doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and conduct a series of tests to identify signs of an ocular disease or vision condition.<\/p>\n

Many eye doctors use the Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart to detect signs of night blindness. This chart contains numerous rows of letters in different shades of grey, on a white background.<\/p>\n

During this test, you will be asked to identify the letters on the chart. As your eyes move down the chart, the letters will appear in lighter shades of grey, as the contrast to the white background is reduced.<\/p>\n

Some eye doctors may also require a blood test to determine your vitamin A and glucose levels.<\/p>\n

Vitamin A deficiency can directly cause night blindness, while abnormal glucose levels can lead to eye diseases<\/a> that can affect your retinal health and vision\u2014 and many times lead to night blindness.<\/p>\n

How is night blindness treated?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since night blindness can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, treatments can vary from patient to patient.<\/p>\n

Cataract<\/b><\/h3>\n

Night blindness caused by cataracts<\/b> <\/a>can be treated by removing the cataracts themselves. When cataracts begin to affect your performance of daily activities, it may be time to consider cataract surgery.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Cataract surgery involves replacing your eye\u2019s cloudy lens with a new and clear artificial lens. Not only will this improve your vision for daily activities, but your vision for nighttime activities as well.<\/p>\n

Glaucoma<\/b><\/h3>\n

If glaucoma<\/b> <\/a>is the cause of your night blindness, treating the disease<\/a> itself through medicated eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery may help to relieve your night vision difficulties.<\/p>\n

However, certain glaucoma medications called miotics, cause the pupils to become smaller in size, which can also result in reduced night vision.<\/p>\n

Retinitis pigmentos<\/b>a<\/b><\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, scientists have yet to discover a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa<\/b><\/a>, as it is a genetic condition and does not respond to corrective lenses or retinal surgery.<\/p>\n

If night blindness is caused by retinitis pigmentosa, or any other genetic condition, such as Usher\u2019s Syndrome, speak with your eye doctor about ways to cope with decreased night vision\u2014 specifically, how to reduce your risk of accidents and improve your quality of life.<\/p>\n

Myopia<\/b><\/h3>\n

Night blindness that is caused by nearsightedness<\/b><\/a> and\/or astigmatism<\/a> can be treated with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses that contain an updated and appropriate optical prescription.<\/p>\n

Refractive laser surgery<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you are experiencing night blindness following a refractive eye surgery<\/b>,<\/a> such as LASIK or PRK, speak with your eye doctor about adding an anti-reflective coating<\/a> to your eyeglasses to reduce glare and halos.<\/p>\n

Vitamin A<\/b><\/h3>\n

Vitamin A deficiency <\/b>is a common cause of night blindness, and can be treated with vitamin A supplements. As your vitamin A levels regulate, your night vision should return to normal.<\/p>\n

Diabetes<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you have diabetes <\/b>and are experiencing night vision difficulties, it is important to see your eye doctor to determine if diabetic retinopathy<\/a> is the cause. Treating diabetic retinopathy<\/a> with anti-VEGF medication, laser treatments, or surgery and controlling your diabetes can help to relieve your night vision problems.<\/p>\n

Schedule an eye exam<\/strong><\/a> with an eye doctor near you to diagnose and treat your night blindness.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:\u00a0<\/strong>What Causes Night Blindness?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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