Blurriness, Reduced Contrast Sensitivity, Glare Sensitivity, and Night Blindness

The following article addresses the following types of low vision deficits: blurred vision, reduced contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, and the problems of “night-blindness”.

Blurriness, Reduced Contrast Sensitivity, Glare Sensitivity, and Night Blindness in PRIMARYCITY

In many cases symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness and reduced color contrast are caused by degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.  However due to the complexity of the visual system there are many other potential causes for these symptoms, which is why we always recommend a comprehensive eye exam to assess the cause of those symptoms. When scheduling the eye exam, make sure to discuss the symptoms and when they occur with your optometrist. 

If you are experiencing severe symptoms we recommend visiting a low vision optometrist who not only has the capabilities to detect the condition but also to implement appropriate interventions to maximize remaining eyesight and enable an active life. Interventions include the use of specialty devices and rehabilitation therapy.

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What Are The Causes And Challenges Of Blurred Vision, Reduced Contrast Sensitivity, Glare Sensitivity, and Night Blindness?

All of these types of low vision deficits may be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, refraction errors of the eye, or traumatic injury.

Due to the complexity of the visual system, there are a wide range of conditions that may cause these symptoms including: 

  • Optic neuritis
  • Stroke
  • Retinal Detachment 
  • Macular Hole 
  • Temporal arteritis
  • Uveitis
  • Optic Nerve Disorders/Multiple Sclerosis
  • Traumatic Brain Injury 
  • Usher Syndrome
  • Nystagmus 

Less severe causes: 

  • Corneal abrasion 
  • Ocular Migraine 
  • Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye
  • Iritis 
  • Keratitis
  • Complications after LASIK or refractive surgery 
  • Vitamin A deficiency 
  • High Myopia or Astigmatism

Sensitivity to Light

  • How it Presents: Brain injury is often accompanied by increased light sensitivity and a general inability to tolerate glare. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, can be exacerbated by certain light sources, such as bright sunlight and fluorescent lighting. Recent studies suggest that LCD screens (such as from computers or smartphone devices) can be particularly bothersome following a concussion. 
  • How It Can Impact You: Living with discomfort/pain from lighting and glare can be difficult and inconvenient. 
  • Recommendations: Using full spectrum lighting or lighting with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) to provide effective illumination that doesn’t cause eye strain.

Night Blindness

  • How It Presents: Difficulty in seeing faces or objects at nighttime or under low light conditions. Additional signs of impaired night vision include: complete blindness in dark conditions, the appearance of “halos” and “streaks” when looking at light, light and glare sensitivity or discomfort, blurriness in poorly lit environments or nighttime, and difficulty in driving.
  • How It Can Impact You: The inability to see under low-lit conditions can make life difficult and dangerous. The dangers of people driving with visual impairment from night-blindness is apparent. Additional hazards include the added likelihood of tripping and sustaining injurious falls in the home under poorly lit conditions.
  • Recommendations:There are small but effective hand-held lamps available today that can be used to assist people under low light conditions. Drivers can have their friends and families drive them places during nighttime hours. 

It is imperative that people with night-blindness utilize full spectrum lighting and lighting with a high Color Rendering Index (CRI) throughout their home to ensure a safe environment. Lighting should be strategically placed to maximize illumination. Use timers to ensure that the lighting comes on at the same time everyday.

Common Questions

Using a good antiglare coating will help reduce glare. Some are formulated better than others which will determine how much glare is reduced. There are varying models and levels of antiglare from a variety of companies. Do a little research and find out which one will work for you.
Blurriness, Reduced Contrast Sensitivity, Glare Sensitivity, and Night Blindness
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Blurriness, Reduced Contrast Sensitivity, Glare Sensitivity, and Night Blindness

In many cases symptoms such as blurred vision, night blindness and reduced color contrast are caused by degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, inoperable cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.  However due to the complexity of the visual system there are many other potential causes for these symptoms, which is why we always recommend a low vision eye exam to assess the cause of those symptoms. When scheduling the eye exam, make sure to discuss the symptoms and when they occur with our low vision optometrist. Patients with low vision visit our clinic from all over STATE, and we are proud to be a leading provider of low vision services for patients from CITY, SECONDARY1, SECONDARY2, and SECONDARY3.

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