Noticing that your vision gets worse when the sun goes down?
Struggling to see at night isn’t just frustrating—it can also be a sign that something isn’t quite right with your eyesight or overall health. Whether you’re having trouble adjusting to darkness, seeing halos around lights, or feeling more sensitive to glare, there are several reasons why your night vision might not be as sharp as it used to be. Here’s what could be going on.
1. Your eyes take longer to adjust to low light.
As you move from bright daylight into darkness, your pupils widen to let in more light, and your retinas adjust to dim conditions. This process, called dark adaptation, takes longer as you get older. If you find that it takes a while for your vision to settle when driving at night or entering a dimly lit room, it could be a normal part of ageing. However, if it feels extreme, it might be worth checking with an eye specialist.
2. You could have a vitamin A deficiency.
Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions. A deficiency can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the dark, leading to night blindness. Foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, can help support your vision. If you’re experiencing significant difficulty seeing at night, a doctor can check your vitamin levels to rule out deficiencies.
3. Your pupils may not be dilating properly.
Your pupils expand in low light to let in more light, but certain medical conditions or medications can interfere with this natural response. If your pupils stay small in the dark, your vision will suffer. Conditions like diabetes, neurological issues, or even certain eye drops can affect pupil dilation. If you suspect this might be the case, an optometrist can assess whether your eyes are responding correctly to changes in light.
4. You could be dealing with cataracts.
Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, which scatters light and makes vision blurry, especially in low-light conditions. People with cataracts often struggle with glare from headlights and streetlights at night. If your night vision has been steadily declining, or if you’re seeing halos around lights, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked. Cataracts develop gradually, and early treatment can help manage symptoms before they significantly impact daily life.
5. You might have an uncorrected refractive error.
Common vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism can make it difficult to see clearly at night. Streetlights, car headlights, and distant objects may appear blurry or distorted. If you haven’t had an eye exam in a while, your prescription may need updating. Even a slight change in your vision can make nighttime conditions much more challenging.
6. Glare sensitivity could be a sign of dry eyes.
Dry eyes aren’t just uncomfortable; they can also affect how light enters your eyes, making night vision harder. People with dry eyes often experience excessive glare from lights, making nighttime driving especially frustrating. Artificial tears, staying hydrated, and avoiding too much screen time before bed can help improve moisture levels in your eyes. If dryness is persistent, an eye doctor can recommend treatments to keep your eyes comfortable and functioning well.
7. Your glasses or contacts may not be night-friendly.
Some glasses or contact lenses aren’t designed for low-light conditions. If your lenses don’t have an anti-reflective coating, they may increase glare and make it harder to see at night. Upgrading to lenses with anti-glare coatings can make a big difference. If you wear contacts, dryness and irritation can also impact your night vision, so using lubricating eye drops before heading out in the evening might help.
8. It could be a symptom of retinal conditions.
The retina plays a crucial role in night vision. Conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, which affects the cells responsible for low-light vision, can cause night blindness and even peripheral vision loss. While these conditions are less common, sudden or worsening night vision problems should always be checked out. If you’re struggling to see in the dark, and it’s progressively getting worse, an eye exam can help determine if there’s an underlying issue.
9. Blue light exposure could be making it worse.
Spending too much time in front of screens before bed can affect how your eyes adjust to darkness. Blue light exposure from phones, tablets, and computers can temporarily disrupt your ability to see clearly in dim lighting. Reducing screen time before bed, using blue light filters, and dimming bright lights in the evening can help your eyes adjust more naturally when it’s time to see in the dark.
10. Poor circulation might be affecting your eyes.
Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can impact blood flow to the eyes, affecting how well they function in low light. If your night vision problems come with other symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or vision changes during the day, it could be linked to circulation issues. Regular eye exams and overall health check-ups can help catch these issues early. Managing blood pressure, staying active, and eating a nutrient-rich diet all support eye health and can improve your ability to see clearly at night.
