Night blindness, medically known as nyctalopia, is a condition where the eyes fail to adapt properly to low-light conditions.
The primary cause of night blindness is a deficiency of Vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision.
Vitamin A helps produce rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment in the retina responsible for vision in dim light.
When the body lacks sufficient Vitamin A, rhodopsin production decreases, resulting in poor night vision.
If untreated, prolonged deficiency can lead to more severe eye conditions, including corneal ulcers and total blindness.
Good dietary sources of Vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, fish liver oils, and dairy products.
Ensuring an adequate intake of Vitamin A-rich foods is vital for maintaining eye health, especially in children and pregnant women.