Long summer days are equally matched with long periods of dark winter. While sunrise and sunset times change and the duration of light and dark ebb and flow, nighttime spans a significant portion of a complete 24-hour day. Without the natural illumination of sunlight, night vision may be challenging. Whether driving on dimly lit roads or navigating through unfamiliar surroundings, the ability to see clearly in low-light conditions is essential for safety and comfort. Many individuals experience challenges with night vision which can be attributed to various ophthalmic concerns that is responsible for changing the perception of shapes, objects and movement in darkness.
Night vision relies on the ability of our eyes to adjust to low levels of light. Central to the process of night vision is a pigment molecule called rhodopsin, which is found in the rod cells of the retina. It takes time for our eyes to adjust to changes in light levels, a process known as dark adaptation. During this time, rhodopsin levels increase and the sensitivity of the rod cells improves, allowing us to see more clearly in low-light conditions. Notable examples of eye conditions that may affect rhodopsin, and consequently night vision, include retinitis pigmentosa, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and vitamin A deficiency. Other factors affecting adaptation of night vision include age-related changes to the eye in which the pupil may become smaller and less responsive to changes in light, refractive errors that blur or distort vision and dry eye syndrome, characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality that can lead to discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision, especially in dry or windy conditions common at night.
While certain eye conditions may pose challenges to night vision, several strategies can help enhance visual acuity and comfort in low-light conditions. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and addressing any underlying eye conditions that may affect night vision. Your eye care professional can prescribe corrective lenses, recommend treatment options or perform cataract surgery to improve night vision. Glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights or other sources can be particularly bothersome at night. To reduce glare and improve visual comfort, consider wearing anti-reflective (AR) coated lenses which minimize reflections and enhance contrast sensitivity. The use of dimmer switches or low wattage bulbs when indoors improves lighting when transitioning from bright to dark environments and allows the eyes time to adjust. Sometimes the simplest of modifications is all that is necessary for better navigation at nighttime.
Don’t let the sun set leaving you in the dark, unable to enjoy the world around you. Make an appointment with Wichita Vision Institute by calling 316-773-6400 or WEBSITE to determine which factors are affecting your adaptation of night vision and what changes can be made to enhance your visibility.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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