Night Blindness (Nyctalopia) - Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

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Written by WebMD Editorial ContributorsMedically Reviewed by Whitney Seltman, OD on March 12, 2024

• What Causes It?
• How Is Night Blindness Treated?

1 min read

This condition, which your doctor will call nyctalopia, makes it hard to see well at night or in poor light. It isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of another problem like untreated nearsightedness.

What Causes It?

The problem comes from a disorder of the cells in your retina that allow you to see dim light. It has many causes:

• Nearsightedness
• Glaucoma
• Glaucomamedications that close the pupil
• Cataracts
• Diabetes
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Keratoconus

To pinpoint the cause, your eye doctor will carry out a full exam. They may order specialized tests.

How Is Night Blindness Treated?

That depends on its cause. It may be as simple as a new prescription for glasses or a new medication. It could require surgery if cataracts are to blame.

Next In Common Vision Problems

• Night Vision Problems: What’s to Blame?
• Halos and Glare: Why Can’t I See Well at Night?
• What Is Astigmatism?
• Understanding Astigmatism -- Symptoms
• At-Home Ways to Check Eyesight for Astigmatism

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