Vision, night blindness

Alternative names:

night blindness; nyctalopia

Home care:

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

Call your health care provider if:

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

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

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.