Night blindness in children early signs and effective solutions

Night blindness in children is a concern for many parents because it affects their child’s vision in dark or low-light environments. This issue can be simple, often related to poor nutrition and a deficiency in vitamin A, or it can indicate more serious eye problems such as retinal or lens disorders. In this Dalily Medical article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and types of night blindness in children, as well as the best treatment and prevention methods, to help every parent take care of their child’s eyesight and prevent any complications.

What is night blindness?
Night blindness is when a child has difficulty seeing at night or in dark places. This becomes noticeable when the child stumbles, bumps into objects, or shows fear of the dark.

Most common cause of night blindness:
Vitamin A deficiency due to poor nutrition is the most common cause.
It can also result from hereditary retinal diseases or problems with the cornea or lens.

Is night blindness a serious condition?

If caused by vitamin A deficiency → it’s usually mild and easily treatable.
If caused by hereditary or retinal problems → it requires continuous monitoring as it may progress.

Can night blindness be treated?

Vitamin A deficiency → treated with dietary supplements and a healthy diet.
Cornea or lens problems → treated with medicated eye drops or a simple procedure.
Hereditary conditions like retinitis pigmentosa → no definitive cure, but medications and regular follow-up can slow progression.

Key symptoms of night blindness in children:

Stumbling or bumping into objects in the dark.
Excessive fear of darkness.
Difficulty seeing in dim light.
Slow adaptation when entering a dark place.

How is night blindness diagnosed?

Visit an eye doctor.
Vision and visual acuity tests.
Fundus and retinal examination.
Eye adaptation to light test.
Vitamin A blood test to check for deficiency.

Do herbs and natural foods help?
Feeding the child carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, liver, and berries rich in vitamin A and antioxidants can help improve vision, but they do not replace medical treatment.

Can a child fully recover their vision?

Yes, if the cause is vitamin A deficiency → vision can return to normal after treatment.
If the cause is hereditary or congenital → treatment focuses on monitoring and support, not a full cure.

Can night blindness appear suddenly?

Usually no, it develops gradually depending on the cause, especially with vitamin A deficiency or hereditary retinal problems.

Does night blindness affect daytime vision?

Initially → it affects only vision in dim light or at night.
In rare or advanced cases → it may affect daytime vision as well.

Is surgery needed?

Lens problems, such as cataracts → may require a simple surgical procedure.
Vitamin A deficiency → no surgery needed; treatment with diet and supplements is enough.

Can night blindness be prevented?

Yes, especially when caused by vitamin A deficiency: maintain a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, meats, and liver.

Is night blindness contagious?
No, night blindness is not contagious. Most of its causes are either hereditary or related to nutrition.

Are there vitamins or natural supplements that can help?
Yes, natural vitamin A from food is beneficial.
A doctor may also prescribe suitable supplements for children based on age and dosage.

Can a child fully recover their vision?

If the cause is nutritional → yes, vision can fully recover after treatment with supplements and a healthy diet.
If the cause is hereditary → treatment focuses on slowing the progression and improving the child’s quality of life, but a complete cure is not possible.

Types of Night Blindness in Children

1. Nutritional Night Blindness (Vitamin A Deficiency)

The most common type, especially in children with poor nutrition.
Cause: Lack of vitamin A, which is needed to produce the pigment “rhodopsin” in the retina that helps night vision.
Early treatment with vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, spinach, and liver can completely resolve the condition.

2. Hereditary Night Blindness (Retinal Diseases)

Example: Retinitis Pigmentosa, which gradually deteriorates the cells responsible for night vision.
Appears in childhood or adolescence and worsens over time.
No definitive cure, but regular follow-ups with an eye doctor help manage the condition.

3. Night Blindness Due to Cornea or Lens Problems

Example: Severe dry cornea or early cataracts.
Cause: Light does not properly reach the retina, leading to difficulty seeing in the dark.
Treatment: Moisturizing eye drops or a simple procedure depending on the cause.

4. Congenital Night Blindness (From Birth)

Some children are born with retinal or optic nerve defects, or underdeveloped cells responsible for night vision.
Appears very early, noticeable when the child struggles to adapt to darkness or cannot see well from a young age.

Causes of Night Blindness in Children

Vitamin A deficiency – most common; affects rhodopsin formation in the retina. Often occurs with poor nutrition or absorption issues.
Hereditary retinal diseases – e.g., retinitis pigmentosa, causing gradual night vision loss.
Corneal problems – severe dryness or ulcers due to vitamin A deficiency or repeated infections.
Lens problems – early cataracts reduce clarity, especially in low light.
Retinal or optic nerve diseases – can weaken night vision.
Congenital issues – retinal defects or underdeveloped rod cells responsible for night vision.

Symptoms of Night Blindness in Children

Difficulty seeing in dark or dim areas → child may stumble or bump into things.
Excessive fear of the dark → not just normal fear, caused by poor vision.
Slow adaptation to changes in light → takes time to adjust when moving from bright to dark areas.
Sitting too close to light sources → prefers being near lamps or TV to see clearly.
Poor night vision while walking or playing → easily trips or falls in low light.
Frequent blinking or rubbing eyes → especially in dark conditions or at night.
Problems with studying or reading at night → difficulty seeing the board if lighting is poor.

Stages of Night Blindness in Children

1. Early Stage (Mild Symptoms)

The child starts experiencing slight difficulty seeing in dark areas.
May occasionally stumble or ask for more light while studying or playing.
Sometimes shows more fear of darkness than normal.

2. Moderate Stage

The problem becomes more noticeable: the child can only see well in bright light.
Takes a long time for the eyes to adjust to dim light.
Moves closer to light sources (TV or lamp) to see clearly.
Night vision while walking is weak, so the child may stumble or bump into things around them.

3. Advanced Stage

Severe difficulty seeing at night, even with moderate lighting.
The child may refuse to go out or move in dark areas.
Clear problems in studying or playing due to poor vision.
In some hereditary cases (like retinitis pigmentosa), daytime vision may also be affected.

Diagnosis of Night Blindness in Children

Diagnosing night blindness requires accuracy and follow-up with an eye specialist, as the symptoms can sometimes resemble other vision problems.

Steps for Diagnosing Night Blindness:

Medical History
- The doctor asks parents about symptoms: does the child stumble in the dark? Take a long time to adjust to light?
- Any family history of hereditary eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa?
- Any nutrition problems or clear deficiencies in the child’s diet?
General Eye Exam
- Visual acuity test to ensure normal vision in regular lighting.
Night Vision Test
- Tests the eye’s ability to adapt to dim light.
- The child is exposed to bright light, then placed in a dark area, and the doctor measures how quickly the eyes adjust.
Fundus Exam
- Using an ophthalmoscope, the doctor examines the retina and optic nerve to check for changes or hereditary conditions.
Electroretinography (ERG)
- Measures the activity of rod cells (responsible for night vision) and cone cells (responsible for color vision).
- Helps determine if the problem is hereditary or acquired.
Blood Tests
- Measures vitamin A levels, especially if deficiency due to poor nutrition is suspected.
Additional Tests
- In some cases, the doctor may request a CT scan or MRI if optic nerve problems are suspected.

Treatment of Night Blindness in Children with Medications

Vitamin A Supplements
- For cases caused by vitamin A deficiency (most common).
- Prescribed as capsules or syrup with dosage determined by a pediatrician or eye doctor.
- Combined with foods rich in vitamin A: carrots, liver, sweet potatoes, spinach.
Moisturizing Eye Drops
- Used if the cornea is dry or slightly affected due to vitamin A deficiency.
- Helps protect the cornea and improve vision.
Medications to Treat the Underlying Cause
- For retinal diseases or optic nerve inflammation → anti-inflammatory drugs or antioxidant supplements may be prescribed.
- For hereditary conditions like retinitis pigmentosa → no definitive cure, but supportive medications can slow progression.
Treatment of Complications
- If the child has cataracts, the doctor may prescribe eye drops for a short period.
- The main treatment is usually a simple surgical procedure to remove the cataract.

Treatment of Night Blindness with the Quran

The Quran is described as a source of healing and mercy for believers:
"And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe" [Al-Isra: 82]

Ruqyah (Spiritual Healing): Recitation of Al-Fatiha, Ayat al-Kursi, the endings of Surah Al-Baqarah, the Mu’awwidhat (Al-Falaq – An-Nas), and Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Supplication (Dua): Like Prophet Ayyub’s prayer: "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful."
Surah An-Nur: Some scholars recommend reciting it with the intention of healing vision, as it mentions light and guidance.

Treatment of Night Blindness in Children with Herbs and Natural Foods

Using herbs and natural foods is complementary, not a substitute for medical treatment, especially if the cause is vitamin A deficiency. Key foods and herbs include:

Carrots ????
- Richest natural source of vitamin A (converted in the body to beta-carotene).
- Strengthens the retina and improves night vision.
- Can be eaten boiled, as juice, or included in meals.
Sweet Potatoes ????
- High in beta-carotene like carrots.
- Supports eye health and strengthens vision.
Spinach and Leafy Greens ????
- Contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that protect the retina.
- Beneficial for children with weak vision.
Liver ????
- Excellent natural source of vitamin A.
- Can be prepared as a meal in appropriate amounts.
Cod Liver Oil ????
- Rich in vitamins A and D, supports eye and bone health.
- Available as a supplement, but should be used under medical supervision.
Blueberries and Blackberries ????
- Contain strong antioxidants that improve blood circulation in the eyes and protect the retina.

⚠️ Important Notes for Parents:

These foods and herbs are very helpful but not sufficient alone to treat the cause, especially in hereditary conditions.
Best approach: combine a healthy diet with medical treatment under doctor supervision.
Vitamin A is important, but excess can be toxic, so balance is necessary.

Exercises for Children with Night Vision Weakness

Focus Exercise
- Hold a pen or small toy 20 cm from the child’s eyes.
- Let them focus on it for 10 seconds, then look at a distant object.
- Repeat 10 times, 2–3 times daily.
- Strengthens eye muscles and helps faster adaptation to light changes.
Blinking Exercise
- The child blinks rapidly for 10 seconds, then closes eyes and relaxes for 10 seconds.
- Repeat 5 times.
- Moisturizes the eyes and reduces corneal dryness.
Palming (Eye Rest Exercise)
- The child sits quietly, warms their hands, rubs them, and gently places palms over the eyes for 1 minute.
- Relaxes eye muscles and reduces visual fatigue.
Eye Movement Exercise
- Move eyes up and down, left and right, and in circular motions.
- 5 times in each direction.
- Strengthens eye muscles and increases flexibility.
Light Adaptation Exercise
- Place the child in a slightly dark room for 1 minute, then turn on dim light and let them focus on objects.
- Helps the eyes adapt faster between dark and light environments.

⚠️ Important Notes:

These exercises do not replace medical treatment but help strengthen the eyes.
Must be done regularly without overstraining the child.
Best done alongside a healthy diet (especially foods rich in vitamin A) and regular follow-up with an eye doctor.