Congenital night blindness Save

Congenital Night Blindness: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Congenital night blindness, also known as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), is a rare genetic disorder that affects the vision of an individual. This disorder is characterized by the inability to see in low-light conditions, such as at night or in dimly lit environments. Individuals with this condition typically have normal daytime vision but experience difficulty seeing in the dark.

1. Causes: Congenital night blindness is caused by genetic mutations that affect the function of the cells in the retina, which is the part of the eye responsible for detecting light. There are two types of CSNB: complete and incomplete. Complete CSNB is caused by mutations in genes that control the function of the rod cells in the retina, while incomplete CSNB is caused by mutations in genes that control the communication between the rod cells and other cells in the retina.
2. Symptoms: The main symptom of congenital night blindness is difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Individuals with this condition may also experience poor depth perception, difficulty adjusting to changes in lighting, and an increased sensitivity to glare.
3. Diagnosis: Congenital night blindness is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include visual acuity testing, a dilated eye exam, and electroretinography (ERG) testing. ERG testing measures the electrical activity of the cells in the retina in response to light.

Congenital night blindness is a rare condition that can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. While there is no cure for this disorder, there are strategies that individuals with congenital night blindness can use to manage their symptoms, such as using low-vision aids and avoiding driving at night.