Night Blindness and Food

Written by: Mohammad Arif Rahimi

Some people in Afghanistan face night blindness (nyctalopia). There are two types of night blindness. The first one is genetic which could not be cured and the second one is caused by lack of vitamin “A” and could be treated.

A physician in one of the private eye hospital in Kabul city shares the following information with writer/producer of AEPO:

At the primary stage of night blinding, some symptoms are formed in sclera as suds. These are the symptoms of lack of vitamin “A” in body. Later, other symptoms, damage eyes and could cause burning and itching of eyes and patient could not be able to watch sun or lights. these are counted the severe stages of night blindness. At this stage, cornea is faced with a shortage of vitamin “A” and later, cornea would be damaged and the patient is exposed to permanent blindness.

Physicians advise such patients to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, carrots, chicken, fish, dairy as cheese, milk, eggs, grains, cereal and also should regularly visit eyes specialist.