Night blindness

Night blindness, also known as nyctalopia, means difficulty seeing in low-light or dark conditions. People with night blindness struggle to navigate or perform tasks when light levels are low, such as during evening hours or in dimly lit environments. This condition often results from a deficiency in vitamin A, which is essential for the health of the retina, the part of the eye that allows for vision in low-light settings.

Other Causes of Night Blindness

Although vitamin A deficiency is a common cause, night blindness can also result from other conditions, including:

• Cataracts: The clouding of the eye’s lens can reduce vision in low-light settings.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eye can damage the optic nerve and affect night vision.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina.
• Retinitis Pigmentosa: A genetic disorder that affects the retina and causes progressive vision loss, including night blindness.
• Zinc Deficiency: Zinc is important for normal eye function, and its deficiency can impair night vision.
• Other Eye Conditions: Various other eye diseases or conditions can also lead to difficulties seeing in low light.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology