Do you ever find it difficult to see while driving at night or walking in dim places? This might indicate you are experiencing night blindness, also known as nyctalopia. But don’t worry! We’ll explore what causes it, how it’s detected, and what you can do to manage it!
What Is Night Blindness?
Even though night blindness isn’t a disease itself, it is an underlying issue affecting vision. It means your eyes have a hard time adjusting to low-light conditions. For example, imagine walking into a dark movie theater from a sunny street and struggling to see—if that feeling doesn’t go away, it could be night blindness.
What Causes Night Blindness?
Several things can lead to night blindness:
- Lack of Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Not getting enough can make it hard to see in the dark. Eating foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach can help boost your Vitamin A levels.
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): If you have trouble seeing things far away, especially at night, it might be due to nearsightedness.
- Cataracts: This is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, making your vision blurry and dim, particularly in low light.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage your eyes over time, leading to problems like night blindness.
- Glaucoma: This condition increases pressure in the eye and can affect your vision, including your ability to see at night.
These are some common causes. Any changes in your normal day-to-day routine should be discussed with your local optometrist. A thorough eye exam will reveal the cause and how it can be treated.
Signs You Might Have Night Blindness:
- Difficulty Seeing at Night
- Trouble Adjusting to Darkness
- Blurry Vision in Low Light
- Tripping or Bumping into Objects
- Needing Extra Time to Recognize Surroundings
These are some common signs. Any changes in your normal day-to-day routine should be discussed with your local optometrist. A thorough eye exam will reveal the cause and how it can be treated.
How to Manage Night Blindness:
The good news is that you can improve your night vision! Some tips include:
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Wear Corrective Lenses
- Improve Lighting at Home: Use brighter bulbs in areas where you need to see clearly, such as: stairways.
- Be Cautious When Driving at Night
- Regular Eye Check-Ups
We all know that the symptoms of night blindness may make daily activities difficult. To help you see better, visit your local optometrist to find out what’s causing it. It can be challenging to see at night, but with the right steps, you can improve your vision. Eating well, wearing the right lenses, and keeping up with eye exams are great ways to start!
For more information, concerns or inquiries or to book your next eye exam, get in touch with inFocus Vision Care. It all begins with you taking care of your eyes!
