Night blindness

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Night blindness (also known as nyctalopia) is a condition that results in poor vision in low light or darkness. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, usually a problem with the retina.

Pronunciation

  • Night blindness: /naɪt ˈblaɪndnəs/
  • Nyctalopia: /nɪktəˈloʊpiə/

Etymology

The term "night blindness" is derived from the Old English words "niht" (night) and "blindnisse" (blindness). "Nyctalopia" comes from the Greek words "nykt-" (night) and "-alops" (blindness).

Causes

Night blindness can be caused by several conditions and diseases that affect the retina, the layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. These include:

  • Retinitis pigmentosa: a genetic disorder that causes progressive loss of vision
  • Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is essential for the health of the retina and a deficiency can lead to night blindness
  • Cataracts: clouding of the eye's natural lens, which can cause a decrease in night vision
  • Certain medications: some drugs can affect the retina and cause night blindness

Symptoms

The main symptom of night blindness is difficulty seeing in low light or darkness. This can make it hard to drive at night or navigate in dark places. Other symptoms can include blurry vision, difficulty adapting to changing light conditions, and seeing halos around lights.

Treatment

Treatment for night blindness depends on the underlying cause. This can include:

  • Vitamin A supplements for those with a deficiency
  • Surgery to remove cataracts
  • Medications or gene therapy for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa

Related Terms

External links

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