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- $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
-
-
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-
- 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.
-