Night blindness

Night blindness can be caused by many disease processes, both inherited and acquired. Differentials that may cause blurred vision, and that are made worse by low light levels (e.g., cataracts, myopia, glaucoma) should be distinguished from true night blindness.

Commonly reported by patients with inherited retinal or choroidal dystrophies; rarely associated with an underlying malignancy.

Slit-biomicroscopy and electroretinography are often essential in narrowing the differential diagnosis.

Vitamin A (retinol) deficiency can cause night blindness and is often overlooked in patients with malabsorption and malnutrition.

Vitamin A (retinol) can treat both genetic and acquired night blindness.

Night blindness is the inability of the eye to adapt to reduced illumination, resulting in patient complaints of not being able to see at night or in dim light. No standard classification system exists. The conditions within this topic are divided into inherited and acquired conditions. The inherited conditions causing night blindness affect the structures within the retina or choroid, and are referred to as retinal or choroidal dystrophies. Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group: glossary Opens in new window Always distinguish between true night blindness (e.g., loss of vision in a dark environment) and blurred vision made worse by low light levels (e.g., associated with cataracts, myopia, glaucoma).