What makes seeing in the dark possible

Acanthamoeba is one of the most common organisms in the environment. Although it rarely causes infection, when it does occur, it can threaten your vision.

Amblyopia—also known as lazy eye—is the loss or lack of development of clear vision in one or both eyes. Forgot username or password?

You do not have access to this content. Join the AOA today! Eye and Vision Conditions. The term "color blindness" is also used to describe this visual condition, but very few people are completely color blind. Some diseases that can cause color deficits are: Diabetes. Macular Degeneration.

Alzheimer's disease. Parkinson's disease. Multiple Sclerosis. Chronic alcoholism. Sickle Cell Anemia. Other causes for color vision deficiency include: Medications. Drugs used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, infections, nervous disorders and psychological problems can affect color vision.

The ability to see colors can gradually lessen with age. Chemical exposure. Contact with certain chemicals—such as fertilizers and styrene—have been known to cause loss of color vision. Symptoms A person could have poor color vision and not know it.

Diagnosis Color deficiency can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment There is no cure for inherited color deficiency. Organizing and labeling clothing, furniture or other colored objects with the help of friends or family for ease of recognition. Remembering the order of things rather than their color.

For example, a traffic light has red on top, yellow in the middle and green on the bottom. Your eye doctor will take a detailed medical history and examine your eyes to diagnose night blindness. You may also need to give a blood sample. Blood testing can measure your vitamin A and glucose levels. Night blindness caused by nearsightedness, cataracts, or vitamin A deficiency is treatable. Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contacts, can improve nearsighted vision both during the day and at night.

Cataracts can be removed through surgery. Your surgeon will replace your cloudy lens with a clear, artificial lens. Your night blindness will improve significantly after surgery if this is the underlying cause. If your vitamin A levels are low, your doctor might recommend vitamin supplements.

Take the supplements exactly as directed. You can, however, properly monitor your blood sugar levels and eat a balanced diet to make night blindness less likely. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which may help prevent cataracts. Also, choose foods that contain high levels of vitamin A to reduce your risk of night blindness. If you have night blindness, you should take precautions to keep yourself and others safe. Refrain from driving at night as much as possible until the cause of your night blindness is determined and, if possible, treated.

Arrange to do your driving during the day, or secure a ride from a friend, family member, or taxi service if you need to go somewhere at night. Getting regular eye checkups is just one of many ways you can get better eyesight.

What are the side effects of lubricating eye drops? Is the UV coating on prescription lenses enough protection? I have a bacterial eye infection. What is the treatment of choice? Find an Ophthalmologist. Advanced Search. Ask an Ophthalmologist.