Ask Our Experts

Get answers to your specific medical questions from UM Medical Center experts.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

Vision - night blindness

Definition:

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

Alternative Names:

Nyctanopia; Nyctalopia; Night blindness

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:

Cataracts
Retinitis pigmentosa
Vitamin A deficiency
Certain drugs
Birth defects

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

Review Date: 2/22/2007
Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)