Nyctalopia is the inability to see clearly in low light or dark places.
More often called night blindness , this disease affects the retinal area of the eye.
Causes of nyctalopia
With the question of Dr. Muhammad Hantira - Honorary Assistant Professor - Department of Ophthalmology - Umm Al-Qura University - Saudi Arabia
It became clear to us that the problem of nyctalopia begins with difficulty seeing in the dark, but with time the condition may develop and the weakness of vision increases until the person becomes difficult to see in the day as well.
nyctalopia occurs mainly due to a defect that affects the photoreceptors in the retina, where there are two types of light-receiving cells located in the retina, namely:
• Rods are cells that help you see in the dark or in low light.
But this development does not happen overnight, as it takes many years, up to 30 or 40 years, and therefore the rods defect can be treated before it reaches the cone cells.
• Cone cells: These cells increase the power of vision, as they receive colors, and when there is any problem with them, a person can become color blind.
Dr. Hanatera indicated that this defect in the photoreceptors in the retina may affect a person as a result of several different factors, most notably:
• Genetic factors.
• Vitamin A deficiency.
• Infection with some diseases.
• Eye surgeries.
Symptoms of nyctalopia
Dr. Hantira explained:
Night blindness is associated with the appearance of several different symptoms, which include:
• poor vision at night: the person’s inability to see clearly in the dark, and stumbling in things while moving because of not seeing them, especially in dim lighting.
• Double vision.
• Keratitis.
• Gray spots on the eyes.
Hantira explained to us:
That the nyctalopia is treated based on knowing the cause that led to its occurrence, for example if the cause is white water, then the special operation is performed to treat it first and thus treat the night dinner.
In addition, he provided us with a set of medical advice that must be followed to treat or reduce the severity of nyctalopia namely:
• Eat foods that contain vitamin A: As previously mentioned, vitamin A is the nourishing of the retina of the eye, and thus foods rich in it will contribute to the strength of vision, and this vitamin can be obtained from capsules of dietary supplements prescribed by the doctor.
• Wearing eyeglasses: In some cases medical glasses can help in strengthening vision at night, and for this the doctor examines the vision and determines the appropriate medical glasses.
• Not to look at a strong light at night: Whether the yellow light in the headlights or the car lights that the driver illuminates at night, looking at them increases the difficulty of seeing.
