My Night Vision Is Not as Good as It Used to Be. What Could Be the Cause?
Yazar: Op. Dr. Gökay Günay
Many people notice over time that their vision is no longer as clear as it used to be, especially when driving at night or in low-light environments.
Common comments include:
- “I used to feel more comfortable driving at night.”
- “Headlights have started to bother me more.”
- “I notice road signs later than I used to.”
- “My night vision just does not seem as good as before.”
So what could be causing this?
Why Can Night Vision Change?
Night vision is a more demanding visual task than daytime vision.
In low-light conditions, the eye works with less visual information, so some changes may first become noticeable at night.
Can Cataract Affect Night Vision?
Yes.
In the early stages of cataract, some people may experience:
- Light scatter
- Glare
- Reduced contrast
- Difficulty driving at night
These symptoms may occur.
For some people, changes in night vision may be noticed before blurred vision becomes obvious.
Can Dry Eye Worsen Night Vision?
Yes.
A healthy, smooth ocular surface is an important part of high-quality vision.
In some people, dry eye may cause:
- Fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- Reduced night vision
These symptoms may occur.
Can Changes in Prescription or Corneal Problems Play a Role?
Yes.
In some cases, changes in refractive error or problems affecting the cornea may also have a negative effect on night vision.
For this reason, not every night-vision complaint has the same cause.
When Should I Have an Eye Examination?
An eye examination may be helpful if:
- You have started avoiding driving at night
- Oncoming headlights cause significant discomfort
- You feel that your night vision has decreased noticeably
- You have difficulty seeing road markings or signs
Conclusion
Night vision becoming worse is not always simply a natural consequence of ageing.
Cataract, dry eye, changes in refractive error and other eye problems may contribute to this change.
What matters is not only seeing well during the day, but also maintaining high-quality, comfortable vision under different lighting conditions.