How to Build & Repair Your Own Night Vision

Night vision depends on your eyes' ratio of rods (retina cells responsible for low-light, low-detail vision) to cones (retina cells responsible for color and detail vision), as well as the health and performance of these cells. Animals like cats, which need to hunt in dim conditions, have a higher rod-to-cone ratio than humans'. Though humans generally don't live and hunt in the dark, some level of night vision is important for safety. It prevents accidents when driving in the dark, and leaves people less vulnerable to crime. You can improve your night vision with special eyewear and dietary changes.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to determine the reason for your poor night vision or night blindness. She may update your glasses or contact lens prescription or recommend and prescribe special eyewear. She may also determine that cataracts or another eye disorder is at the root of the problem, in which case an operation may improve your vision.

• 2

  Wear all prescription eyewear according to your optometrist's directions. Keep glasses and contacts clean to promote clear vision and prevent eye infections.

• 3

  Eat foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. A diet low in vitamin A leads to poor vision and night blindness, while increased consumption of the vitamin improves night vision as well as immunity and skin health. Vitamin A supplements may also help, but registered dietitian Elizabeth Somer recommends fruits and vegetables instead. Vitamin A can be toxic in high doses, but it is practically impossible to ingest a toxic dose from fruit and vegetable sources.