Back to English Diseases
Health Information

Poor Sight at Night (Night Blindness)

Again, night blindness does not mean that the person will not see at all when it is midnight. It means that even when it is just a little dark like evening or in a dim room, the person may not see easily

symptoms

  • Night blindness means that even when it is just a little dark like evening or in a dim room, the person may not see clearly or well. It is normal not to see well in the midnight, but it is a problem to not see clearly when it is starting to get dark
  • The person will see well during the day, but once night is coming, the eyes will become dull like something is covering them
  • A child will be afraid to walk inside the house when it is not bright or is starting to get dark
  • The eyes may feel dry — like breeze passed over them
  • The eyes may itch and become red sometimes
  • The person may bump into things at night or hold the wall to move around
  • If it becomes too much, the person may stop seeing well during the day too

causes

  • It happens when the person does not eat food that contains vitamin A — that is what helps the eyes to see well, especially at night
  • A child who has frequent diarrhea can develope night blindness, because diarrhea can lead to vitamin A deficiency
  • Diseases like measles or malnutrition (which means the person is not eating well) can make the eyes lack vitamin A
  • If a pregnant woman does not eat good food, her baby can also have problems with the eyes

effects

  • The person will not see well once it starts to get dark
  • The person will be afraid of the night, and will not play or move around freely
  • A child’s eyes will become dull, and they may not be able to read or learn fast
  • If it is not treated, the eyes can become worse gradually
  • The eyes will become dry like there is no water in them — tears will not come out well when the child is crying, and the eyes may even start to sink in slightly

prevention

lifestyle

  • Eat food that contains Vitamin A — like red oil, ugu, water leaf, carrots, mango, and sweet potato
  • A child who has had measles or watery stool (diarrhea) needs more Vitamin A
  • If you notice that your eyes are not seeing well at night — start eating these foods quickly
  • A pregnant woman should eat good food that includes green leafy vegetables and red oil

foods to eat (that gives the eyes vitamin a)

  • Carrot
  • Ugu soup
  • Water leaf soup
  • Ewedu soup
  • Sweet potato
  • Boiled yam with red oil
  • Mango
  • Pawpaw
  • Liver (in small amount)
  • Egg (if the person does not have high cholesterol)
  • Beans with ugu
  • Moi moi
  • Light okro soup with ugu
  • Scent leaf soup
  • Oat swallow
  • Pap with milk
  • Pepper soup that has crayfish and ugu
  • Tomato stew with red oil (do not add too much red oil)
  • Fish soup

comment

  • Again, night blindness does not mean that the person will not see at all when it is midnight. It means that even when it is just a little dark like evening or in a dim room, the person may not see easily
  • Eyes that do not see well at night when the place is not too dark is not normal — take it seriously. Still go to the hospital
  • If your child is bumping into things or is afraid of the dark — it is not stubbornness
  • Eating a little carrot, mango or pawpaw every day can protect your eyes
  • Vitamin A is not expensive because you can get it from regular food

Most Searched Topics by Community

    Important Medical Disclaimer

    This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.