The Department of Medical Affairs by Metta Hospital invites you to know about Night Blindness, which is night blindness. You will find problems seeing in the dark, which is a symptom that may affect daily life, for example, it may cause driving in the dark. At night, it is difficult to see the route and it can be dangerous. It may lead to the risk of driving at night should be avoided. to prevent accidents
On January 20, 2023 Dr. Phairoj Suratvanich, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services Revealed that the best self-care is when there are vision problems. should see an ophthalmologist to diagnose the cause for early treatment Because vision problems can occur for a variety of reasons. And there may be complications, most of which are diseases that can be treated if you see a doctor from the beginning, such as myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy. including night blindness or seeing in the dark The best self-care is to follow a doctor. The nurse advises that it is always correct and complete. See the doctor according to the appointment. And hurry to see a doctor before the appointment when there are abnormal symptoms.
Arkhom Chaiweerawatana, MD, Director of Metta Pracharak Hospital (Wat Rai Khing) says night blindness or problems seeing in the dark, dim light. Patients will find it difficult to perform routine tasks in dark or dim light. Or it takes time to adjust to being in the dark for longer than usual. Characteristics of people with night blindness Will have difficulty seeing in dimly lit places or with low light It usually occurs when the eyesight needs to be adjusted from a very bright place. Going to a dimly lit place, such as walking from the outside into a building, watching a movie, or driving at night with uneven lighting. Night blindness is an important symptom of a disease that can increase the risk of driving at night. should be avoided to prevent accidents
Dr. Ekachai Aryangkun, Ophthalmologist, Head of Ophthalmic Medical Center He added that night blindness is not a disease, but a condition of blurry vision in dim light. or at night It can be found in many diseases of the retina, that is, in normal people, the retina contains cells that sense vision. There are two types of photoreceptor cells: 1.Rods (rods) are scattered throughout, but in large numbers in the peripheral retina, responsible for vision in dim light; and 2. .Cone (cone cells) are concentrated in the central part of the retina (central retina), especially called the macula, responsible for central and bright vision. If there is an abnormality of the medial part of the retina Especially in the area of clear image decreased clarity in conjunction with seeing the color change But if there is an abnormality of the retina around the edges with destruction or loss of duty or Rod’s death causes his eyes to dim at night or in dim light, known as “night blindness”. Dysfunction or Rod’s death can be found in many diseases, such as vitamin deficiencies. -A Which is a vitamin that contributes to vision Lack of zinc, vitamin A needs to work together with zinc. Therefore, it is important to consume enough zinc. Which can be obtained from eating nuts, beef or poultry Eye problems such as myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy Or there may be an abnormality in the retina. genetic predisposition such as retinal degeneration (Retinitis Pigmentosa), which cannot be cured. or taking certain medications, such as certain glaucoma medications, that cause the pupil to shrink Drugs in the group of cholinergic agents or very nearsightedness May be corrected by using corrective lenses. In the early stages of night blindness there is a loss of the peripheral visual field. and when the disease is more severe The central visual field begins to lose until it becomes very narrow. And there will be a loss of adaptive ability to see in the dark. The treatment method uses special equipment to confirm a standardized diagnosis. Electroretinography (ERG) is performed, in which the aforementioned examination reveals a reduction or loss of amplitude of the waveform from both the rod and cone cell, although still visible. At present, there is no cure for the disease. An ophthalmologist can advise on the inheritance of the disease and palliative treatment or referral to a low vision specialist in order to make the most of the remaining vision. and retinal implant surgery It will be able to provide a level of vision enough to be able to help themselves. Therefore, regular follow up with an ophthalmologist is recommended. to assess the condition of eyesight regularly Preventing night blindness Some causes can be prevented, such as vitamin-A deficiency. By eating 5 food groups in every meal, such as cod liver oil, organ meats, egg yolks, carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, or high in omega-3 fatty acids such as deep sea fish, flax seeds, walnuts, corn oil. Soybean oil, rice bran oil, but some causes such as heredity It’s a disease that can’t be prevented. But seeing an ophthalmologist early Your doctor will have treatments that may help slow down the progression of macular degeneration. Seeing an ophthalmologist can also help diagnose concomitant diseases that cause decreased vision. and concurrent treatment, such as cataracts, which can also be found in patients with RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa), etc.
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