Do You Have Problems Seeing At Night?

By Lamont Bunyon, OD

Millions of Americans have problems seeing at night. You could just need glasses, but having trouble seeing at night could also mean that you have cataracts, or other eye issues. If you are having problems driving after dark let your eye doctor know.

A wide range of conditions, such as cataracts or diabetes, can make it hard to see at night:

Cataracts

The first symptom of cataracts is often worse night vision. Cataracts distort the light that comes into your eyes. You may also see halos around lights, and blurry vision is also common.

Not Enough Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps keep your retina healthy. If you have a health issue that makes it hard for you to absorb nutrients (Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, gastric bypass), you might have night vision problems.

Not Enough Zinc

Without zinc, vitamin A may not work as well as it should, and this can result in night blindness.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

This is a rare genetic disorder affects young people, usually before 30.

Complications After LASIK

LASIK surgery complications are not common. But one of the few complications is the development of night vision problems.

Diabetes

Diabetes may make you more likely to have night vision problems. Over years, high blood sugar damages the blood vessels and nerves in your eyes, which leads to a condition called retinopathy.

If you are experiencing night vision problems make an appointment with your eye doctor. He or she can help you diagnose the cause.