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Vision - night blindness - Overview

Alternative Names

Nyctanopia; Nyctalopia; Night blindness

Definition of Vision - night blindness:

Night blindness is poor vision at night or in dim light.

Considerations:

Night blindness may cause problems with driving in the evening or at night. People with night blindness often have trouble seeing the stars on a clear night.

Common Causes:

Birth defects
Cataracts
Retinitis pigmentosa
Use of certain drugs
Vitamin A deficiency

In some cases, the eyes may simply have trouble adapting to darkness. The problem may not be due to another medical condition. However, it is often linked to myopia (nearsightedness).

External and internal eye anatomy

Reviewed last on: 8/22/2008
Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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