If you’ve ever noticed that driving at night feels more difficult or that you struggle to see in dim lighting, you may be experiencing night blindness, also known as nyctalopia. While not a disease itself, night blindness is often a symptom of an underlying eye condition that affects your ability to see clearly in low light. At Clarity Vision in Holly Springs, NC, our doctors can perform several tests to help determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.

What Is Night Blindness?

Night blindness occurs when your eyes cannot adapt properly to darkness or dim lighting. You may find it hard to see when transitioning from bright to low-light environments, such as entering a dark restaurant after being outside in the sun. It’s commonly linked to conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, nearsightedness, or vitamin A deficiency.

Common Symptoms of Night Blindness

If you have night blindness, you might experience:
 

• Difficulty driving at night

• Trouble seeing in dimly lit rooms or restaurants

• Taking longer for your eyes to adjust in the dark

• Needing extra light to read or perform tasks

• Poor vision when moving between light and dark settings

If these symptoms sound familiar, an eye exam is the best way to identify the cause.

How Is Night Blindness Tested?

Testing for night blindness involves a series of comprehensive eye exams and specialized tests to determine how your eyes respond to light and darkness. Some of the most common tests include:
 

• Visual Acuity Test: This standard eye chart test measures how clearly you can see at various distances. Difficulty seeing well in dim light during this test can indicate issues related to night vision.

• Retinal Examination: Your optometrist will use specialized instruments to look at the back of your eye (the retina) to detect any signs of retinal degeneration, such as retinitis pigmentosa, which can cause night blindness.

• Pupil Dilation Test: By dilating your pupils, your optometrist can get a better view of the internal structures of your eye, helping identify potential causes like cataracts or optic nerve damage.

• Refraction Test: This helps determine whether uncorrected refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), are contributing to your night vision issues.

• Electroretinography (ERG): In more advanced cases, your doctor may perform an ERG test to measure how well the cells in your retina respond to light stimulation.

What Causes Night Blindness?

Night blindness can result from a variety of causes, including:
 

• Cataracts - Clouding of the eye’s lens reduces light entering the retina.

• Glaucoma - Damage to the optic nerve can impact peripheral and low-light vision.

• Vitamin A Deficiency - Rare in developed countries but can affect the retina’s ability to function.

• Retinitis Pigmentosa - A genetic condition that gradually affects night and peripheral vision.

• Uncorrected Myopia (Nearsightedness) - Makes it harder to see distant objects in dim lighting.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

If you’re struggling to see clearly at night, it’s important not to ignore it. Night blindness can be an early sign of an eye condition that needs professional attention. We use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause and create a personalized treatment plan to help you see clearly day and night.

Don’t let poor night vision impact your safety or confidence. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Clarity Vision and let our team help you see clearly. Visit our office in Holly Springs, North Carolina, or call (919) 646-2900 to book an appointment today.