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How do I Treat Night Blindness?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The best treatment for night blindness, where patients have trouble seeing in low-light environments, depends on what is causing the problem. In some cases, it may be the result of a congenital disorder, in which case there may not be any available treatments. Other cases may be treatable with medications, surgery, or changes to prescriptions. Patients who notice vision changes of any kind, including decreased acuity at night, should contact an ophthalmologist for evaluation. It is important to get prompt treatment because vision damage can be fast and irreversible.

Some potential causes can include myopia, cataracts, medications used to treat conditions like glaucoma, vitamin A deficiency, and retinitis pigmentosa. A doctor will need to evaluate the patient thoroughly to collect as much information as possible about the cause. This can include testing for other health conditions to check for potential complications.

Cataracts may cause night blindness.
Cataracts may cause night blindness.

In the case of myopia, fixing a prescription should help the patient see more clearly in poor light. Patients may notice other vision problems like difficulty driving, trouble focusing on distant objects, and eye strain after working. The new prescription should clear up all of these problems and increase patient comfort. Cataracts obscuring vision and causing night blindness may require surgical treatment. After removal, the patient will see more clearly, including in dim light. Follow-up care is necessary to monitor the patient's eyes and check for signs of degeneration.

Medications used to treat glaucoma may cause night blindness.
Medications used to treat glaucoma may cause night blindness.

Night blindness caused by glaucoma medications can be treated with adjustment to the drugs or dosage to see if it is possible to resolve the issue. The goal is to correct the patient's vision problems while still keeping the glaucoma under control. This may require follow-up visits to check on the patient's eye health and make sure the treatment is still effective. Patients can also try ingesting more vitamin A to address a deficiency, in which case they may experience improvements in their night vision.

Night blindness can make it difficult to drive after dark.
Night blindness can make it difficult to drive after dark.

For patients with night blindness caused by congenital or incurable conditions, the focus is on supportive care. Such patients may benefit from medications, adjustments to their living environments, and lifestyle changes like not driving at night for safety reasons. Patients with declining vision may find devices like anti-glare screens and corrective lenses useful for helping them see more effectively. They can also start learning how to use adaptive tools and devices so they can adjust to low vision while their eyes are still relatively healthy. This makes the transition less traumatic.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ellafarris

@Sierra02 - Please go visit your optician. He is the only one who can determine if you have a night blindness disease or not. Moreover, he is the only one who is trained to help correct and save your vision. Please don't trust your eyesight to some cheap glasses. Most night blindness driving can quickly be fixed by your doctor. Do yourself a favor and make the appointment. You'll be glad you did.

Sierra02

I've noticed in the past couple of years that my vision is greatly reduced while driving at night much more so than it used to be. The glare from oncoming headlights has become unbearable and the taillights in front of me are sometimes blurry. And if it's raining or foggy at night, well forget about it. I can't drive under those conditions anymore.

It's very frustrating since I've always had good vision and have always taken good care of my eyes. I'm too scared to visit my optician for fear that he might discover that I've developed glaucoma or even worse cataracts. Can't I just wear night goggles or something until I'm just too old to drive anyway.

LisaLou

My mom was experiencing some night blindness symptoms and got to the point where she wouldn't drive anywhere at night.

It turns out that she had cataracts on both eyes. Once she had these removed her night vision improved quite a bit.

She still doesn't like to drive much at night, but can see so much better than she used to. I feel a lot better about her not doing a lot of night driving, but at least know if she has to go somewhere she can see well enough to drive.

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    • Cataracts may cause night blindness.
      By: rob3000
      Cataracts may cause night blindness.
    • Medications used to treat glaucoma may cause night blindness.
      By: Elenathewise
      Medications used to treat glaucoma may cause night blindness.
    • Night blindness can make it difficult to drive after dark.
      By: peshkova
      Night blindness can make it difficult to drive after dark.
    • Myopic patients may also experience eye strain after working.
      By: Danilo Rizzuti
      Myopic patients may also experience eye strain after working.
    • Anti-reflective coating on glasses can help with vision issues that occur while driving.
      By: Kurhan
      Anti-reflective coating on glasses can help with vision issues that occur while driving.