Night Blindness

Table of Contents

Other names

Nyctalopia
Reduced night vision
Impaired dark adaptation
Scotopic vision deficiency

Synopsis

Night blindness is a vision impairment in which the eyes have difficulty adjusting to low-light conditions, such as twilight, darkness, or dim indoor lighting. This condition does not mean total blindness at night but reflects poor visual adaptation when moving from bright to dark environments. It may occur as a standalone issue or be a symptom of an underlying eye or systemic condition.

Key causes include:

  • Vitamin A deficiency: Most common and reversible cause, especially in developing countries

  • Retinitis pigmentosa: A genetic disorder that progressively damages retinal rods

  • Cataracts: Clouding of the lens scatters light and reduces night clarity

  • Diabetes-related retinopathy

  • Zinc deficiency: Impairs vitamin A metabolism

  • Myopia (nearsightedness): Can worsen night vision without correction

  • Certain medications: Such as those that deplete vitamin A (e.g., statins, retinoids)

Symptoms may include:

  • Poor vision in dim light

  • Trouble driving at night

  • Slow adjustment when moving from bright to dark environments

  • Blurry outlines or halos around lights

  • Eye strain or discomfort in low light

When to see a doctor:
If you experience persistent difficulty seeing at night, seek an eye exam. Diagnosis involves retinal evaluation, visual field tests, and vitamin level checks. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause—often corrective lenses, nutritional therapy, or managing a chronic condition.

Natural Remedies

Increase Intake of Vitamin A-Rich Foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and liver.

Support Overall Eye Health: Stay hydrated and reduce eye strain.

Use Night-Friendly Lighting: Install soft ambient lighting to ease transitions.

Correct Any Vision Errors: Wear prescribed glasses for myopia or astigmatism.

Limit Screen Time in Dark Environments: Prevents further strain on retinal adaptation.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat this condition.

spirulina
vitamin A
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
vitamin E
vitamin C
zinc
beta-carotene
lutein
lycopene