Night blindness can lead to vision loss: Five nutrients best for eye health

Night blindness, or difficulty seeing in low light, is often dismissed as a minor issue. It stems from a condition known as " Retinitis Pigmentosa," which can progress to blindness. The human retina contains rod cells predominantly responsible for peripheral and night vision. Degenerative changes in these cells cause night blindness.

What are the symptoms of night blindness? What kind of nutrients can help to delay and prevent the development of night blindness? This article will provide answers for those of you who are worried.

Causes of Night Blindness

Night blindness is relatively rare, affecting one in every 4,000 people. It can be congenital due to genetic factors or acquired through other means:

- Genetic Factors (Congenital):

Night blindness has a strong genetic component and is relatively common among genetic disorders. It can be inherited in several ways, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked inheritance, with recessive inheritance being the most common.

Symptoms typically begin in youth (ages 10 to 20), with complete vision loss by middle age (ages 40 to 50). Family members of those diagnosed are encouraged to undergo comprehensive testing.

- Vitamin A Deficiency (Acquired):

Rod cells rely heavily on Vitamin A, and a deficiency can lead to night blindness. This condition is as severe as the genetic type and is not curable by merely supplementing Vitamin A, though progression can be slowed.

Symptoms of Night Blindness

Initially, night blindness manifests as slightly impaired night vision. While it's normal for vision to be poorer in the dark compared to well-lit conditions, night blindness involves a significant overall darkening of vision. Common experiences include:

- Remaining vision-impaired after spending more than five minutes in a dark environment.

- Struggling to see objects or faces in dim lighting.

- Sensitivity to light.

- Experiencing glare or photophobia around lights.

- Inability to see stars at night.

As the condition progresses, the degenerative areas of the retina expand towards the center, leading to "Tunnel Vision," where peripheral vision narrows, leaving only the central part visible as if looking through a tunnel. Eventually, this can result in blindness.

What Nutrients Help Slow Down or Prevent Night Blindness?

Night blindness is predominantly a hereditary disease and is challenging to treat. Although gene therapy, which involves replacing a disease-causing mutant gene with a healthy copy, was approved by the FDA in 2017, it is quite expensive and not yet widely available.

However, the condition can still be mitigated through various methods, one common approach being the intake of nutrients beneficial for eye health. Even for those without night blindness, consuming the right nutrients can help prevent the condition from developing later.

If you notice a decline in vision or suddenly find it difficult to see clearly, you should seek further examination from an ophthalmologist.

Key Nutrients for Eye Health:

-Vitamin A (Supports the Retina): Cod liver oil, beef liver, sweet potatoes, eels, etc.

-Vitamin B Complex (Aids Nerve Function): Whole grains, beans, dairy products, etc.

-Lutein (Improves Contrast Sensitivity): Corn, yellow peppers, eggs, etc.

-Beta-carotene (Converted into Vitamin A in the Body): Carrots, dark green vegetables (such as kale, and spinach), etc.

-Zinc (Helps Vitamin A Function): Meats, seafood, nuts (such as peanuts, almonds, cashews), etc.

Daily Life Measures to Prevent Acquired Night Blindness

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and protecting them is crucial for everyone. In addition to a nutrient-rich diet, the following measures can reduce the risk of developing acquired night blindness:

- Regular Eye Exams: It is recommended to have vision checks every six months to promptly determine whether you have night blindness or any other eye-related diseases.

- UV Protection: When going outside, wearing sunglasses or hats can help block ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent conditions that could lead to night blindness.

- Avoid Excessive Highs: Conditions like diabetes can cause microvascular changes, leading to the degeneration of photoreceptors and pigment cells in the retina, which can in turn cause night blindness.

- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve blood circulation, reduce eye fatigue, and decrease screen time.

- Adequate Sleep: Sufficient sleep can reduce eye fatigue and allow the eyes to rest properly.

- Eye Health Maintenance: Looking into the distance is a simple and effective eye exercise that can help relax the eye muscles.

 

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