Commonly known as night blindness or retinitis pigmentosa, this condition is a retinal disease. The retina is the mesh layer that allows us to see, and can be thought of as resembling wallpaper filling the inside of our eye. Night blindness develops due to genetic mutations damaging the light-sensitive layer of the tissue cells in the retina. Initially leading to night vision loss, it may also cause day vision losses in later years. Its prevalence is known to be between 1/3000 and 1/4000. 

What Causes Night Blindness? 

Night blindness, also known as retinitis pigmentosa, results from damage to cells located in the retina. The disease typically occurs due to genetic factors. Consanguineous marriages increase the likelihood of recessive genes coming together, thereby raising the risk of developing Retinitis Pigmentosa (Night Blindness). 

What Are the Symptoms of Night Blindness?

Night blindness (nyctalopia) begins with difficulty seeing in dim light, and in advanced stages, difficulty may also occur under sunlight. Patients may exhibit specific findings such as narrowing of the visual field, presence of bone spicules in the eye fundus examination, narrowing of retinal arterioles, and wax-like pallor of the optic disc. Electroretinogram can reveal signs indicating photoreceptor cell dysfunction in the retina. Cataracts, macular edema, refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism, keratoconus, and glaucoma may accompany night blindness.

How Is Night Blindness Treated?

The progression of the disease may vary from patient to patient, even among members of the same family. Although a definitive treatment for night blindness has not yet been found, research in this area continues. The primary aim of the treatment protocol is to slow the progression of the disease and enhance patients’ adaptation to social life. Carotenoids like lutein and β-carotene have limited effects on slowing the progression of night blindness.

Gene Therapy 

The first approved gene therapy by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, voretigene neparvovec ‐rzyl (Luxturna), is used to treat rare inherited blindness. Although widely described in the media as a treatment that can "restore sight," it is a very costly treatment. It can be used for patients with mutations in both chromosomes of the RPE65 gene. Luxturna is administered as a single injection under the retina behind each eye. Patients receiving this treatment have shown improved night vision, improved walking, and obstacle adaptation.

Stem Cell Therapy

Researchers believe that transplanted stem cells can differentiate into retinal cells, integrate into the patients' retina, and the differentiated stem cells may replace apoptotic or damaged retinal cells.

Growth Factor Injections

This method can manipulate programmed cell death and extend the lifespan of healthy retinal cells. Studies in this area have shown favorable outcomes on the visual prognosis in night blindness, and in our clinic, a subtenon PRP treatment rich in growth factors prepared from the patient's own blood is performed, demonstrated to have positive impacts on vision level and prognosis through conducted studies.

Ocuvision 

Low-dose electrical stimuli are sent to the retinal cells, increasing the release of neuroprotective growth factors from these cells. With the release of these factors, retinal cells are protected, and vision loss in the patient is halted. The application must be performed once a week.

Protective Glasses

Blocking the blue light spectrum, reducing light discomfort, and enhancing contrast sensitivity is recommended, but no impact has been observed on the disease's progression. 

Treatment of Complications

Treatment of accompanying cataract and macular edema increases visual quality and level. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

It is emphasized that it contributes to the stabilization of visual acuity, visual field, and visual functions.

Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations

Protection from the sun, Mediterranean diet, 30 minutes of outdoor walking daily, absolutely no smoking, and avoiding alcohol

Retinal Implants

Applied in very advanced stages of the disease when vision is significantly reduced, these devices are surgically placed onto various layers of the eye to detect light on the remaining retinal neurons and convert it into neural activity using artificial devices, helping to restore silhouette vision.

Low Vision Rehabilitation Devices

For patients with good peripheral vision, telescopic glasses, illuminated magnifiers, or camera magnifiers respond well to the need for reading.  
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Night Blindness?

The question of what night blindness is, is an important issue for those who experience difficulty seeing in the dark or dim environments. Night blindness, medically known as "nyctalopia," occurs due to damage to the light-sensitive cells (rod cells) in the retina.
The eye struggles to focus in low light, and the individual finds it difficult to discern objects in dark settings. Inherited eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa are among the most frequent causes of night blindness.

What Are the Symptoms of Night Blindness?

Night blindness symptoms can vary from person to person. However, generally, the following conditions should be considered:

  • Decreased quality of vision in twilight

  • Delayed adaptation to dark environments

  • Difficulty in night vision while driving

  • Glare when looking at light sources

  • Tunnel vision (only central vision, loss of peripheral vision)

If these symptoms are present, it is essential to consult an eye specialist and have a detailed eye examination.

Which Vitamin Deficiency Is Associated with Night Blindness?

The answer to which vitamin deficiency is associated with night blindness is particularly important for cases stemming from nutritional deficiencies.
The most common association is with a deficiency in vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a critical role in the healthy function of rod cells in the eye. Deficiency of this vitamin directly affects night vision function.
Additionally, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids are also important for retinal health. Therefore, vitamin levels should definitely be evaluated in individuals experiencing night vision problems.

How Is a Night Blindness Test Conducted?

A night blindness test is conducted using various methods that evaluate the retina's ability to function in low light. These tests include:

  • Visual field test

  • Retinal tomography (OCT)

  • Fundus examination

  • Electrophysiological tests (ERG)

  • Dark adaptation test

During the eye examination, the structure of the retina is thoroughly examined. These tests are highly valuable for the early diagnosis of diseases like retinitis pigmentosa.

How Is Night Blindness Treated?

The question of how night blindness is treated varies according to the diagnosis. Treatment is shaped based on the cause of night blindness.
In cases of night blindness due to vitamin A deficiency, supplements that address the deficiency are generally effective. However, in conditions like retinitis pigmentosa due to genetic causes, the treatment process is more complex.
In such cases:

  • Vitamin and mineral supplements supporting the retina

  • Glasses or special night vision lenses

  • Low vision rehabilitation

  • Genetic counseling

can be applied.
Each patient should be evaluated individually. In the treatment process, nutrition, light regimen, and protective measures for eye health are also important.

Who Is More Likely to Experience Night Blindness?

Night blindness can occur in any age group but is more commonly observed in certain individuals. Those with a genetic predisposition, vitamin A deficiency, and individuals working long hours in the dark are at risk. Additionally, individuals with some retinal diseases notice this condition at an earlier age.
Especially carriers of retinitis pigmentosa may start experiencing night vision complaints at a young age. Regular check-ups are important for those wearing glasses, as some refractive errors may also negatively affect night vision.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Night Blindness?

Preventing night blindness completely may not always be possible. However, some steps can be taken to reduce risk factors and intervene early.
Firstly, consuming foods rich in vitamin A (carrots, spinach, eggs, liver, etc.) supports eye health. Regular eye examinations are important for the early diagnosis of potential retinal damage.
Care should be taken when driving in the dark, minimizing factors that make vision difficult (glare, dusty windows). Protecting eyes from UV rays and limiting screen time are also beneficial preventive measures for eye health.

 
Creation Date : 03.05.2025
Update Date : 30.06.2025
Author : Yeliz YİĞİT
Communication : 444 23 23
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