Baylor Health Care System
 

Vision - night blindness

Definition

Night blindness is poor vision at night or in dim light.

Alternative Names

Nyctanopia; Nyctalopia; Night blindness

Considerations

Night blindness may cause problems with driving in the evening or at night. People with night blindness often have trouble seeing the stars on a clear night.

Causes

In some cases, the eyes may simply have trouble adapting to darkness. The problem may not be due to another medical condition. However, it is often linked to myopia (nearsightedness).

Review Date: 2/22/2007
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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