Night blindness is also known as nyctanopia, or keratomalacia. It is characterized by poor vision at night or in dim light. Early symptoms may include difficulty driving at night and an inability to see the light of stars on a clear night. A complete eye exam is necessary to determine the cause of night blindness. In many cases, it can be successfully treated with vitamin supplementation. Talk to your doctor before beginning self-treatment with supplements.
Vitamin A
Night blindness is often a symptom of vitamin A deficiency. The Recommended Dietary Allowances for vitamin A is 900 mcg per day for adult men and 700 mcg for adult women. During pregnancy, women need 770 mcg per day, and while breast-feeding, their needs increase significantly, to 1,300 mcg daily. Vitamin A deficiency is rare in developed nations and usually is limited to individuals with strict dietary restrictions. Excessive alcohol consumption depletes vitamin A stores and places individuals at risk of deficiency. The best dietary sources of vitamin A are whole eggs, milk and liver. Vitamin A from plant sources, such as carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes and spinach, is absorbed less efficiently than that from animals sources. Your doctor can help you determine whether a vitamin A supplement is right for you.
Iron
A deficiency in iron may interfere with vitamin A metabolism. The best dietary sources of iron are animal products such as red meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. Individuals following a vegetarian diet are therefore at a higher risk of both vitamin A and iron deficiencies. Your doctor can perform several simple blood tests to measure your iron levels. Discuss the results with your doctor before beginning iron supplementation.
Zinc
Severe zinc deficiency is often found in individuals with vitamin A deficiency. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in the production of retinol-binding protein, a protein that transports vitamin A in the body. Zinc deficiency interferes with the movement of vitamin A from storage sites in the liver to the rest of the tissues in the body. Oysters, red meat, poultry, crabs and lobsters are rich dietary sources of zinc. Supplements may be appropriate for some individuals. Discuss this option with your health care provider.
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