Night Blindness (nyctalopia)
Lesson 6
What Is Night Blindness
This condition, which your doctor will call nyctalopia, makes it hard to see well at night or in poor light. It isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem like untreated near-sightedness.
What Causes It
The problem comes from a disorder of the cells in your retina that allow you to see dim light. It has many causes:
- Nearsightedness
- Glaucoma
- Glaucoma medications that close the pupil
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Keratoconus
To pinpoint the cause, your eye doctor will carry out a full exam. He may order specialized tests.
How Is Night Blindness Treated
That depends on its cause. It may be as simple as a new prescription for glasses or a new medication. It could require surgery if cataracts are to blame.