Night blindness—causes, symptoms, and possible treatments

Night blindness, or nyctalopia, makes it tough for people to see well in dim lighting or darkness. While not a disease itself, it can be a sign of underlying issues with your vision that you should talk to your eye care professional about.

Night blindness—what is it?

Nobody can see in total darkness—it’s light that allows your eyes to figure out the size, shape, and distance of objects around you. But some people have a much harder time seeing in low light settings than others. This is what is referred to as “night blindness.” The medical term is nyctalopia, and it's the inability of the eyes to adjust quickly to changes in light. Two parts of your eye are primarily responsible for adapting to changes in light—the retina (back part of the eye that detects light) and iris (front part of your eye that widens or narrows depending on light). It’s important to remember that night blindness is usually a symptom of another underlying issue rather than a standalone disease, so if you're concerned with your inability to see well at night, contact your eye care professional for guidance.

Possible causes of night blindness (nyctalopia)

Eye diseases

Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma can distort vision and make it challenging to see in dim light. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, letting in less light and leading to blurry vision and sensitivity to glare. Glaucoma, on the other hand, damages the optic nerve, which can affect both night and day vision.

Lack of proper vitamins

A lack of vitamin A can affect your night vision. Vitamin A is needed by your body to make rhodopsin, a pigment in the retina that helps you see in low light. When vitamin A levels drop, it can result in impaired night vision, making it hard to adjust to darkness or see clearly in dim situations. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes, can help maintain healthy vision.

Refractive errors

If you have difficulty seeing far away during the day, it’s likely that your nighttime vision will be affected, too. This is because your eyes may already struggle to focus light properly, resulting in blurred vision in both bright and low-light conditions.

Congenital issues

Some people are born with conditions like congenital stationary night blindness. This means they have trouble seeing at night from a very young age. It’s a rare genetic condition, so if someone has this, they’ve had it their whole life.

Medications

Some medications can also lead to night blindness. For example, certain antidepressants or antihistamines can affect how your pupils respond to light, which can make it hard for your eyes to adjust. If you notice your night vision getting worse after starting a new medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor—they might have some alternatives for you.

Symptoms of night blindness

It can be a fine line between a normal level of difficulty seeing at night and night blindness. If you have concerns about your ability to see in low light settings, speak with your eye doctor. They can give you a comprehensive eye exam and diagnose any underlying issues. Some possible signs of night blindness they may ask about are:

You bump into things or have trouble navigating your house at night
Driving at night is difficult and/or you avoid it
You struggle to recognizing people’s faces in low light
It takes a while for your eyes to adjust when you go from a well-lit room to poor lighting

Possible treatments for night blindness

Since night blindness is typically a symptom of an underlying issue, the treatment will depend entirely on the cause. Once your eye doctor determines what is making it hard for you to see in low light, they may recommend:

Eyeglasses

If refractive errors are causing your night blindness, getting prescribed a new pair of glasses or contact lenses could help. Correcting any underlying vision issues can help both at night and at all times of the day. Your eye care provider can help you find the right fit and prescription for your needs.

Vitamin A supplements

If night blindness is caused by a lack of vitamin A, taking supplements or making changes to your diet can help. Talking to your healthcare provider about incorporating more vitamin A-rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes into your meals can be a simple solution. Monitoring your vitamin levels through regular check-ups can help you make sure you're getting enough.

Surgery

In some cases, cataracts may be the culprit for night blindness. If that’s the case, surgery can replace the cloudy lens in your eye with an artificial one, usually leading to clearer vision post-surgery. This procedure is quite common and has a high success rate, so it can help you get back to enjoying nighttime activities.

Disease management

For conditions like glaucoma, treatments can vary but might include medications or surgery. Early detection is key, so regular eye exams are important to keep tabs on your ocular health. If your doctor thinks you might have one of these conditions, they can guide you to the best treatment plan to protect your vision.

Talk to your eye doctor if you struggle to see in low light

Your eye doctor can perform a comprehensive eye exam, including checking your vision and the health of your eyes, in order to help figure out what’s causing your vision challenges. When you visit them, they’ll ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you take. Be prepared to discuss what you're experiencing in depth, as it can help them make the best diagnosis possible. Remember, even if your vision is good now, regular eye exams can help spot and treat problems early.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is night blindness a serious condition?

Night blindness itself is not a disease, but it can be a sign of other serious eye problems. If you’re experiencing symptoms, talk to your eye doctor. Getting a professional opinion can help you determine what steps to take next.

Can night blindness be cured?

Whether night blindness can be cured depends on the underlying cause. Many cases can be treated effectively, while some, like those caused by genetic disorders, may not have a cure. To determine the cause and treatment of your night blindness, consult with your eye care professional.

What does night blindness look like?

People with night blindness often see a darker world with blurry details in dim light. If this sounds familiar, then talk to a medical professional.

What should I do if I suspect I have night blindness?

If you think you have night blindness, it's really important to see an eye care professional to get it checked out. They can conduct tests to find the cause and suggest ways to treat it. Taking action early may help you protect your vision and maintain your quality of life.