Night blindness digital illustration

Night blindness Save


ICD-10 code: H53.6

Chapter: Diseases of the eye and adnexia

Night Blindness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, is a condition that makes it difficult to see in low light or darkness. It is not a disease in itself but is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. Night blindness can be a serious condition that affects people of all ages but is more common in older adults.

  1. Causes
  2. There are several causes of night blindness, including:

    • Retinitis pigmentosa - a genetic disorder that damages the retina
    • Vitamin A deficiency - a lack of vitamin A can cause damage to the retina, leading to night blindness
    • Cataracts - clouding of the eye's lens can cause night blindness
    • Glaucoma - increased pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to night blindness
  3. Symptoms
  4. The main symptom of night blindness is difficulty seeing in low light or darkness. People with night blindness may also experience:

    • Difficulty driving at night
    • Bumping into objects in low light
    • Trouble seeing stars or other dimly lit objects
  5. Treatment
  6. The treatment for night blindness depends on the underlying cause. For example:

    • If the cause is vitamin A deficiency, increasing the intake of vitamin A-rich foods or taking supplements can help.
    • For retinitis pigmentosa, there is no cure, but some treatments may slow down its progression.
    • Cataracts can be treated with surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.
    • Glaucoma can be managed with eye drops or surgery to lower the pressure in the eye.

    If you are experiencing night blindness or any other vision problems, it is important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.