Vision - night blindness
Alternative Names
Nyctanopia; Nyctalopia; Night blindnessHome Care
Take safety measures to prevent accidents in the areas of low light. Avoid driving a car at night.
Vitamin A supplements may be helpful.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
It is important to have a complete eye exam to determine the cause, which may be treatable. Call your eye doctor if symptoms of night blindness persist or significantly affect your life.
Your health care provider will examine you and your eyes. The goal of the medical exam is to determine if the problem can be corrected (for example, with new glasses or cataract removal), or if the problem is due to something more serious.
The doctor may ask you questions, including:
- When did the night blindness begin?
- Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
- Does it happen all the time or just sometimes?
- How severe is the night blindness?
- Are you nearsighted?
- Do you have other vision changes?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Do you have unusual stress, anxiety, or a fear of the dark?
- Does use of corrective lenses improve night vision?
- What medications do you use?
- How is your diet?
- Have you recently injured your eyes or head?
- Do you have a family history of diabetes?
A slit lamp examination may be done.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.