What is night blindness?
Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the inability to see well at night or in poor light. It is not a disorder in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying disorder or problem, especially untreated myopia (nearsightedness).
What causes night blindness?
Night blindness is due to a disorder of the cells in the retina that are responsible for vision in dim light. It has many causes, including:
- Myopia
- Glaucoma medications that work by constricting the pupil
- Cataracts
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Vitamin A deficiency
To determine what is causing night blindness, an eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam and may order any of a number of specialized exams.
How is night blindness treated?
Treatment for night blindness will depend upon its cause. Treatment may be as simple as getting a new eyeglass prescription or switching glaucoma medications, or it may require surgery if the night blindness is caused by cataracts.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/20/2009...#10118
