
Night vision problems affect millions of people, especially those with refractive errors like nearsightedness or astigmatism. Halos around streetlights and oncoming headlights, blinding glare and struggling to read road signs plague many people over the age of 40 in particular. Could vision correction be the key to better post-sunset motoring?
With the rise of advanced LASIK procedures, many are asking: Could this be the end of night blindness? Let’s explore how LASIK is changing the way patients experience nighttime clarity.
What Is Night Blindness?
Night blindness, or nyctalopia, refers to difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. It’s not a complete loss of vision but a noticeable struggle to adapt when lighting dims. People with night blindness often find driving at night, walking in dimly lit areas or adjusting to sudden changes in brightness particularly challenging.
Common Causes of Night Vision Problems
Night blindness can stem from several factors. The most common include refractive errors, cataracts, vitamin A deficiency and certain retinal disorders. In younger patients, it’s often linked to uncorrected vision issues. In older adults, cataracts and retinal degeneration play a larger role. Even glare from oncoming lights can worsen symptoms.
LASIK and Night Vision: What to Expect
LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea to correct vision, often eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. However, some patients report temporary night vision disturbances after surgery. These can include halos, glare or starbursts around lights. The good news? These effects typically fade within a few weeks as the eyes heal and adjust.
At Lake Lazer Eye Center, we use SoftTouch LASIK and ZEISS SMILE Pro, which are designed to minimize post-operative side effects. Our patients often report clearer night vision than they had with glasses or contacts. For many, the trade-off is worth it—especially when the long-term result is crisp, comfortable vision day and night.
Is Modern LASIK the End of Night Blindness?
While LASIK doesn’t treat every form of night blindness, it can dramatically improve night vision for those whose symptoms stem from refractive errors. By eliminating the distortions caused by glasses or contact lenses, LASIK allows light to enter the eye more naturally. For patients in Michigan seeking freedom from nighttime visual strain, laser vision correction at one of our Detroit LASIK centers may be the answer.
Don’t let night blindness put limitations on your life. With leading-edge technology and personalized care, Lake Lazer Eye Center helps patients see more clearly – whether it’s under stadium lights or starlit skies. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Khambati and discover how LASIK could brighten your nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does LASIK recovery take?
Initial LASIK recovery takes 24 to 48 hours. Shortly after that, most patients can return to work and most regular activities. Full stabilization of vision occurs within several weeks.
Does LASIK affect color vision?
No, LASIK does not alter color perception. It can improve clarity without changing how colors appear.
Is LASIK expensive?
LASIK averages about $2,300 per eye in the United States. Getting LASIK often saves thousands of dollars over a lifetime compared to expensive prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. At Lake Lazer Eye Center, we’ll work with you on financing through one of our affordable payment plans, so you don’t have to wait for better vision.
With convenient locations in Clinton Township, Southfield and Milford, Lake Lazer Eye Center offers Metro Detroit-area patients comprehensive glaucoma care as well as up-front pricing and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE Pro procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts through laser vision correction procedures. Detroit patients who are not candidates for vision correction can get our assistance with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.