Night blindness is a symptom that may occur with certain eye conditions and results in poor vision in low lighting conditions and at night. Children with night blindness may have difficulty with schoolwork, particularly if they are working in a poorly lit environment. In order to treat the condition, an eye doctor must determine the cause. In some instances, vitamin A may play a role in both the cause and treatment of conditions causing night blindness in a child.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a nutrient found in many foods, such as carrots, spinach and beef liver. This nutrient promotes the healthy growth of bones and cells. The retina, a tissue that lines the back, inside section of your eye, contains significant amounts of vitamin A and may help protect your retina from damage. For optimal health, growth and eye protection, the average child up to age 8 will require between 300 and 400 international units of vitamin A each day. Between ages 9 and 13, youngsters will require 600 IU. From age 14 to 18, a female needs 700 IU and a boy needs 900 IU of vitamin A.
Deficiency
A child who does not receive an adequate amount of vitamin A may have a deficiency. This could lead to blindness as well as an increased risk for infections and early death. The World Health Organization reports that blindness from vitamin A deficiency "is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children." If the deficiency does not cause blindness, the lack of vitamin A may cause severe visual impairment, including night blindness. Some children have a return of vision after a period of elevated vitamin A levels.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition that typically appears in childhood. In early stages, this condition will most likely affect night vision. As the condition progresses, a person with retinitis pigmentosa may lose side vision and then central vision. Early research indicates that a high dose of vitamin A may slow the progression of the disease, reports MedlinePlus.
Considerations
If you suspect your child has night blindness or other vision problems, contact an eye doctor immediately. Your doctor will determine the exact vision problems and determine the cause. If the child has vitamin A deficiency, your doctor may recommend dietary changes or supplements. The eye doctor may recommend vitamin A for a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa to help prevent continued damage or the child may be referred to a retina specialist for treatment.
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