Night blindness, or nyctalopia, is not a disease in itself but a symptom. People struggle to see in dim light, such as at dusk, in cinemas or while driving at night.
Common causes
- Cataract, causing glare and haziness at night
- Uncorrected short sight, which often feels worse in the dark
- Vitamin A deficiency, especially in young children, sometimes with dry eyes and foamy spots on the white of the eye
- Retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal conditions, often with narrowing side vision
- Some glaucoma treatments that make the pupils smaller
When to get checked
- Night vision is getting worse
- You have trouble driving at night
- A child struggles to see in the evening or bumps into things in dim light
- Night blindness runs in the family
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause: updated glasses, cataract surgery, vitamin A treatment where deficient, or support and monitoring for inherited conditions.
See our guide to foods for healthy eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Will eating carrots cure night blindness?
Only if it is caused by vitamin A deficiency, and even then medical treatment may be needed. Other causes need different treatment.
Is it safe to drive at night with night blindness?
Avoid night driving until you have been checked and your doctor confirms it is safe.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.