• cataracts (usually in older persons)
• retinitis pigmentosa (may be the first sign of the disease in a young person)
• poor adaptation to darkness (not caused by any disease)
  • often accompanied by myopia (nearsightedness)
• Vitamin A deficiency
• birth defect

• there is severe, persistent, and significantly impaired lifestyle
• if the symptoms are persistent

The goal of the medical exam will be to determine if the problem is due to a correctable cause, such as need for new glasses or cataract removal or whether the problem is something more severe.

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting night blindness in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did this begin?
  • Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
  • Is the night blindness constant or occasional?
• quality
  • How severe is the night blindness?
  • Is vision impaired in dimly-lit rooms?
• aggravating factors
  • Is myopia (nearsightedness) also a problem?
  • Do you have a fear of the dark?
  • Are you under any unusual stress or anxiety?
• relieving factors
  • Are corrective lenses needed?
  • Does use of corrective lenses improve night vision?
• other
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Have you noticed changes in daytime vision?
  • Do you have light sensitivity (photophobia)?
  • Do you have a difficulty seeing colors?
  • Do you have cataracts?
• additional important information
  • What medications are being used?
  • Do you use "street drugs"?
  • Have you had any recent head or eye injuries?
  • Do you have a family history of diabetes?
  • Do you have a birth defect?
  • Do you have a healthy diet?