Stating that night blindness, also known as 'chicken black' disease among the people, is an eye disease that affects night vision, Ophthalmologist Opr. Dr. Nükhet Zaim said, “Night blindness is difficulty seeing in low light conditions. It poses a serious risk factor especially for taxi drivers who are behind the wheel for long hours at night and drivers on long journeys. This situation can invite accidents for both drivers and passengers.”
Medical Park Ordu Hospital Eye Health and Diseases Specialist Opr. Dr. Nükhet Zaim gave information about night blindness (nyctalopia), which is a problem that closely concerns taxi drivers who work night shifts and drivers who travel long distances. Emphasizing that night blindness is defined as difficulty seeing in low light conditions, Opr. Dr. Zaim said, “The disease poses a serious risk factor especially for taxi drivers who are behind the wheel for long hours at night.”
“It is popularly known as chicken black disease”
Underlining that night blindness, popularly known as chicken black disease, is an eye disease caused by vitamin A deficiency and affects night vision, Opr. Dr. Nükhet Zaim said, “The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye that perceives light and transmits visual signals to the brain. In chicken black disease, retinal cells (especially rod cells) gradually lose their function, which can lead to impaired night vision, narrowing of the field of vision and complete loss of vision in later stages.”
“Vitamin A supplementation is important”
Stating that chicken black disease is a disease that occurs as a result of genetic mutations, Opr. Dr. Nükhet Zaim shared the following information:
“It is usually inherited and mutations of different genes can cause the disease. Inheritance patterns can be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or X-linked. There is currently no definitive treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, but there are some methods that can slow the progression of the disease or improve quality of life. Vitamin A supplementation in particular is thought to have positive effects on some night blindness patients. Specialized training and devices can be used to manage vision loss and cope better in everyday life. In addition, solutions such as glasses, lenses or assistive devices can improve the quality of life of patients.”
“Driving safety can be compromised”
Stating that the driving safety of drivers with night blindness may be jeopardized due to their reduced ability to see in the dark, Opr. Dr. Nükhet Zaim said, “This can invite accidents for both drivers and passengers. People who have difficulty perceiving road signs and environmental details at night, who are exposed to excessive glare from bright lights, headlights or street lamps, and whose vision is significantly reduced in the dark should have regular eye examinations, consume foods rich in vitamin A that support eye health, and use special glasses that can improve night vision when necessary. Chicken eye disease is a lifelong process and early diagnosis is important to maintain the quality of life of patients. Consulting an ophthalmologist when symptoms of chicken black eye disease are noticed and not interrupting regular eye examinations play a critical role in the management of the disease.”
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