50% Off Prescription Eyeglasses

*Restrictions apply. Click here for details.

Comprehensive Eye Exam

What is Night Blindness and How is it Treated?

By Dr. Nathan Kluttz 

Nyctalopia, commonly known as night blindness, is a condition that hampers the ability to see in low-light or dark environments. It's similar to the challenge of driving with inadequate headlights or navigating near darkness during a power outage. 

Recognizing Symptoms of Night Blindness

Individuals with night blindness have trouble adjusting their vision to dim lighting, leading to unclear and compromised vision in such conditions. This issue can significantly affect everyday tasks, particularly in poorly lit areas. 

Driving at night poses a major challenge for those with night blindness, as their ability to see clearly is greatly reduced in dark environments. Furthermore, the glare from bright LED headlights can intensify the symptoms, making it harder to see. 

Understanding the Causes of Night Blindness

Refractive Errors

Night blindness is often a result of refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. These conditions affect how light is focused in the eyes, leading to blurred vision and heightened glare in low-light situations, typical symptoms of night blindness. 

Ocular Nutrition

A lack of Vitamin A, vital for healthy eyes and clear vision, can also lead to night blindness. Without adequate vitamin A, the eyes struggle to adapt to lower light levels. 

Eye Diseases

Eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, which damage the cells in the retina, can cause night blindness. Issues with the optic nerve, the crucial link for visual information between the eyes and brain, can also result in night blindness if the nerve's function is impaired. 

Treatment Options for Night Blindness

If you're experiencing symptoms of night blindness, visiting a Nationwide Vision optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination is the first step. Your optometrist can diagnose the underlying cause and advise the most effective treatment. 

Corrective lenses are often prescribed for night blindness caused by refractive errors. Additionally, increasing vitamin A intake may be recommended for better eye health. 

In cases where night blindness is related to an eye disease, the treatment will focus on managing the symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Regular eye exams are crucial in these scenarios. 

Prevention Strategies for Night Blindness

To help manage and prevent night blindness, especially for those at risk or diagnosed with an eye disease or refractive error, certain measures can be helpful. Anti-reflective glasses can reduce glare from bright lights, particularly useful for driving at night. 

Maintaining a diet rich in vitamin A, with foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens, is essential. Regular check-ups at Nationwide Vision are also important for early detection and treatment of any eye conditions. To take the first step towards clearer vision, schedule an appointment at Nationwide Vision

Summary

Night blindness affects the ability to see clearly in dark or dimly lit conditions. Recognizing its causes and symptoms, and knowing the available treatments, is key to minimizing its impact on daily activities like night driving. By addressing the root causes and adopting appropriate eyewear and lifestyle changes, night vision can be significantly improved. 

Location: Yuma
Location: Tucson Broadway Rd
Location: Sierra Vista
Location: Phoenix Pediatrics
Location: Park 10
Location: Goodyear Palm Valley
Location: Glendale West Northern
Location: Gilbert Williams Field Rd
Location: Phoenix Bethany Home Rd
Location: Queen Creek
Location: San Tan Valley
Location: North Scottsdale
Location: Mesa University Dr
Location: Mesa Power Rd
Location: Glendale West Beardsley
Location: Flagstaff
Location: Cooley Station
Location: Chandler Alma School Rd
Location: Casa Grande
Location: Anthem
Location: Ahwatukee
Location: Lake Havasu
Location: Tucson Golf Links Rd
Location: Tempe Rio Salado Pkwy
Location: Tempe Guadalupe Rd
Location: Show Low
Location: Phoenix Arcadia
Location: Peoria West Bell Rd
Location: Mesa Southern Ave
Location: Mesa Pediatrics
Location: Maricopa
Location: Gilbert Val Vista Rd
Location: Gilbert Chandler Heights
Location: City Gate
Location: Mesa McKellips Rd
Location: Chandler Gilbert Rd
Location: Verrado
Location: Tucson Tanque Verde
Location: Tucson Speedway
Location: Tucson Rita Ranch
Location: Tucson Oracle Rd
Location: Oro Valley
Location: Surprise Waddell Rd
Location: Sahuarita
Location: Phoenix West McDowell Rd
Location: Phoenix Moon Valley
Location: Phoenix Maryvale
Location: Phoenix Lower Buckeye
Location: Phoenix Greenway Rd
Location: Phoenix Baseline
Location: Peoria Lake Pleasant
Location: Tucson Marana
Location: Kingman
Location: Goodyear Estrella Parkway
Location: Glendale Cactus Rd
Location: Bullhead City
Location: Mesa Mountain Vista
Location: Apache Junction Idaho Rd.
Location: Phoenix Glendale Rd
Location: Tucson Valencia
Location: Tucson Campbell Ave
Location: Tucson Ajo
Location: Surprise Greenway Rd
Location: Phoenix Happy Valley
Location: Peoria West Olive
Location: Nogales
Location: Laveen
Location: Buckeye
Location: Tucson Campbell Medical Center

About the Author

Nathan Kluttz, OD

Dr. Nathan Kluttz, OD, practices full-scope optometry at the EyeDoctors Optometrists location in Ottawa, KS. Dr. Kluttz serves as the Area Medical Director, a position granted by the Medical Executive Board at EyeCare Partners. In this role, he helps hold our expert eye doctors to the highest standard and assists in onboarding our new optometrists.