by Administrator
7. June 2011 11:59
Also known as nyctalopia, night blindness is the incapability to become accustomed to situations of dim light. Thus, it implies that your eyes are unable to adjust suitably to changes in lighting. Although it is a rare condition in Americans, people with some neurological problem are more likely to suffer from it. Untreated nearsightedness can also be a cause of night blindness. There are three main types of night blindness:
- Congenital stationary night blindness- it is present at the time of birth and is due to some genetic reasons.
- Progressive night blindness- it can be caused due to several reasons and it slowly worsens with time.
- As a complication of obesity surgery- it can occur in people who undergo a surgery for obesity if they fail to take nutritional supplements after the surgery.
Causes
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Degeneration of retina or retinitis pigmentosa
- Presence of Cataract
- Birth defects or due to genetic factors
- Untreated nearsightedness
- Glaucoma medications
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Celiac disease
- Bile duct impediment
- Macular degeneration
Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of night blindness is the inability to see in dim light or at night. Other important symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Dry eyes
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is time for you to be watchful. Immediately consult an eye doctor.
Treatment
Treatment for night blindness depends completely upon its cause. Treatment may be as simple as changing the glaucoma medications or it may also require surgery. If the cause of night blindness is nearsightedness, the patient may be required some prescribed spectacles in dim light. Tests have to be done to find out whether the problem is in the retinal cells or somewhere else. Thus, on the whole, treatment of night blindness includes:
- Supplements of Vitamin A
- Treatment of any core cause
Take good care of your eyes to enjoy the beauty of life. For complete eyecare solutions in Harker Heights, Killeen and Fort Hood area, please visit Killeen Eyecare Center. We can be contacted at 254-634-7805.
Eye Doctor Fort Hood - Optometrist Fort Hood