Vision, night blindness

• vitamin A deficiency
• poor adaptation to darkness (not caused by any disease)
  • often accompanied by myopia ( nearsightedness )

• cataracts
• birth defect
• retinitis pigmentosa

Note: There may be other causes of night blindness. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for night blindness, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Necessary safety precautions should be taken. Avoid driving a car at night. Vitamin A supplements may prove useful.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• there is severe, persistent, and significantly impaired lifestyle
• night blindness is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting night blindness in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did this begin?
  • Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
  • Is the night blindness constant or occasional?

• quality
  • How severe is the night blindness?
  • Is vision impaired in dimly-lit rooms?

• aggravating factors
  • Is myopia ( nearsightedness ) also a problem?
  • Do you have a fear of the dark?
  • Are you under any unusual stress or anxiety ?

• relieving factors
  • Are corrective lenses needed?
  • Does use of corrective lenses improve night vision?

• other
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Have you noticed changes in daytime vision?
  • Do you have light sensitivity ( photophobia )?
  • Do you have a difficulty seeing colors?
  • Do you have cataracts ?

• additional important information
  • What medications are being used?
  • Do you use "street drugs"?
  • Have you had any recent head or eye injuries?
  • Do you have a family history of diabetes ?
  • Do you have a birth defect?
  • Do you have a healthy diet?

The physical examination may include an eye examination. A slit lamp examination may be performed as a diagnostic test.

Cataract removal should be discussed as an option when appropriate.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to night blindness to your personal medical record.