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Eye Health: 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 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:
- Nearsightedness.
- Glaucoma medications that work by constricting the pupil.
- Cataracts.
- Retinitis pigmentosa.
- Vitamin A deficiency.
In order to determine what is causing night blindness, the 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 a new prescription for your eyeglasses or switching glaucoma
medications, or it may require surgery in cases of cataracts.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye
Institute.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
A new eye treatment has patients seeing the world in a new light. It’s called conductive keratoplasty and "CK” is not only effective but also fast.
