$Unique_ID{BRK02037}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Causes of Night Blindness and Possible Treatments}
$Subject{night blindness vision sight eyesight vitamin A deficiency cataracts
cataract glaucoma blind}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Normal vs. Cataracted Eyes*0003101.scf
Blurred Retinal Image*0003102.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Causes of Night Blindness and Possible Treatments


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I read your column each day in our local paper and find it most
informative.  Can you tell me if it is true that there is a medication for
night blindness?  I have heard that if one has a problem driving after dusk,
it is possible to buy a pill to cure this.  True or not?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Possibly true, probably not.  It all depends upon the cause of your
night vision difficulty.  And there is more than just one possibility.  If
your night vision is poor due to a Vitamin A deficiency, theoretically "a
pill" could be purchased that would solve the problem.  Actually it would have
to be more than just one pill, and you would have to take the vitamins over
some time, but a single therapeutic substance could remedy the situation.
However, night blindness due to a lack of this vitamin is rare today for
seldom is the vitamin deficiency that severe.  However, night vision problems
can also be caused by cataracts and glaucoma, even in their early stages.  In
addition, older folks have a bit more trouble with dim lighting, and their
eyes have less ability to adapt to dimness after a sudden glare of light, as
from the headlights of an oncoming car.  If you are experiencing this problem
now, and you are an active driver, don't delay.  Have your eyes checked, and
keep your after-dark driving to a minimum until you have discovered the cause
and corrected it.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.