Do You Have Trouble Seeing at Night? | Key-Whitman Eye Center

Why Can’t I See at Night?

Everyone has reduced vision at night, but if you suffer from night blindness, it can lead to serious life impairments. Night blindness, known as nyctalopia, isn’t a disease in and of itself. Instead, it is a symptom of an underlying condition that can be diagnosed by an eye doctor.

There are several conditions that impact the way light travels through the eye. If this impact is moderate to severe, you could find yourself struggling to make out anything in the dark. Night blindness can be the result of:

Nearsightedness

Patients with myopia have a hard time seeing things from a distance, and this can become even more difficult in the dark. If you are nearsighted and have trouble seeing at night, even with glasses on, it’s a good idea to talk to your optometrist. In most cases, all you need is an exam and a new prescription to correct the problem.

Prescription Medications

Some medications alter how quickly your eye adapts to dimly lit spaces; others change the shape of your pupil, which can make it hard to see when it’s dark. If you have started prescription medication and noticed changes in your vision, talk to your doctor right away. In some cases, these effects may resolve on their own, but if they’re causing long-term impairments, you may be able to switch to an alternative prescription.

Cataracts

Seniors with cataracts will eventually experience night blindness as it becomes harder for light to pass through the eye; glare from headlights, driving at night, and seeing in the rain can all be challenging for someone with cataracts. Click here to learn more about the symptoms of cataracts and how we treat them with outpatient surgery.

Poor Diet

A nutritional deficiency can negatively impact your vision. Remember when you were a child and adults told you to eat plenty of carrots because they’re good for your eyes? This is true! Vitamins A and C are two of the most important vitamins for healthy eyesight and good vision. You can have your vitamin levels tested by your primary care physician and get personalized nutrition recommendations to help improve your eyesight and night vision.

Night Blindness Treatment in Dallas

At the Key-Whitman Eye Center, we have a team of board-certified eye doctors who are able to help patients of all ages cope with vision problems, including night blindness. In addition to testing and diagnoses, we also offer prescriptions for glasses that can help you adjust to any visual impairments you may have.

Beyond treating problems, we believe in helping our patients truly thrive and experience the freedom that good eyesight provides. For more information about our treatment options, contact us at (214) 220-3937 to schedule your eye exam at one of our nineoffice locations.