Night blindness, or nyctalopia, can be caused by a number of different eye conditions. If you are experiencing trouble seeing things at night but not necessarily during the day, you may be suffering from night-blindness. Consult with your optometrist for the right treatment immediately.
Here are a few important things to know about nyctalopia from our expert eye doctors at Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic.
Your eyes depend on the light around you to see and perceive objects. In healthy eyes, the opening of the pupils is adjusted to admit more light when there is very little light available. In people diagnosed with nyctalopia by an optometrist, this adjustment usually does not happen. Night-blindness, itself, is not a disease. Rather, it’s often a symptom of an underlying condition.
Myopia or nearsightedness is the most common cause of night-blindness. However, this is often a retinal issue and rarely an optical one. Other possible causes include glaucoma medication, which often restricts how your pupils dilate and contract based on the level of lighting in your surroundings. Cataracts may also cause night-blindness, and, if left unchecked, may progress to a full loss of eyesight. Finally, deficiencies in vitamin A can also cause some people to experience symptoms of nyctalopia.
Consult with your optometrist for a proper diagnosis for symptoms of nyctalopia. Treatment procedures vary depending on what is causing the condition in the first place.
Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic offers nyctalopia treatment along with other eye care services. Give us a call at (425) 771-8472 and (425) 485-0430 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today. Our services are available in Bothell, Lynnwood and Shoreline, WA.