Hemeralaropia - An Insight

Introduction

Other names for Hemeralopia are heliophobia and day blindness. It is an abnormal condition in which vision in bright light becomes difficult. It is described as a short adaptation of the eyes to bright sunlight - a condition characterized by a gradual worsening of daytime vision. Night vision remains unchanged. The condition is characterized by photo aversion (avoidance of light). It is the opposite of nyctalopia (night blindness), in which adapting to see in night light becomes difficult. In hemeralopia, rods (cells work in night vision) remain unaffected while the problem is in cons (cells use in daylight).

What Are the Causes of Hemeralopia?

There are several causes of hemeralopia. These include the following:

• Genetics: It is primarily hereditary. Usually, it runs in families. In most cases, affected patients have affected parents also. If it is genetic, then it is hard to treat the condition.

• Several Other Eye Conditions: Several other abnormal eye conditions can cause hemeralopia. It includes cone dystrophy and achromatopsia. Cone dystrophy occurs due to the loss of cone cells of the eyes and photoreceptors of central and color vision. Achromatopsia disorder causes a lack of color vision, high sensitivity to light, nystagmus, and decreased vision.

• Certain Medications: Trimethadione (an anti-epileptic drug) is known to cause hemeralopia in some cases. Overuse of drugs can lead to hemeralopia.

• Adie Syndrome: It is a neurological disorder primarily seen in females. It is known to cause hemeralopia.

• Aniridia: Aniridia is the absence of the iris. It can be congenital or can be due to penetrating eye trauma. Due to this day, vision is affected as it mainly affects the cone cell of the eyes.

• Albinism: It is a congenital disorder in which depigmentation of skin color, hair, and eyes is seen. In advanced stages, it starts affecting color vision cells of the eye and causes hemeralopia.

• Cataract: It is seen in the elderly. Usually, fogging of the eye lenses is seen in cataracts. It causes dispersing of the light before it reaches the retina in the early stages. So light vision is mainly affected.

• Cancer-Associated Retinopathy: Cancer cells produce antibodies against retinal components in this condition. It destroys cells in the eyes and can cause hemeralopia.

• Cohen Syndrome: It is a genetic condition. It is also known as pepper syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by obesity and mental retardation. Rarely it can also lead to hemeralopia.

What Are the Symptoms of Hemeralopia?

• It is also called heliophobia and day blindness.

• The primary symptom is the inability to see in the daytime or under bright lights.

• Night vision remains unaffected.

• Symptoms of this disease begin in early childhood. Children in light conditions lose their spatial orientation.

• In bright light, redness and inflammation are seen in the eyes.

• Quality of life starts diminishing.

• Photo version is seen in which patients start disliking bright light.

How to Diagnose Hemeralopia?

The diagnosis is based on the clinical examination. Specific laboratory tests are helpful, but subjective patient complaints help diagnose a condition. For example, patients complain of difficult vision in bright light. Initially, itchy sensation in the eye during the day, while no abnormality is seen at night.

What Is the Treatment & Management of Hemeralopia?

There is no well-defined cure for hemeralopia. The causes of hemeralopia are numerous, so it is hard to cure the condition without knowing the exact cause of the condition. If the reason for hemeralopia is a cataract, then removal of the cataract is necessary. Hemeralopia is often genetic; then, treatment becomes more complicated. Therefore, proper assessment of the visual condition is necessary. It is recommended to keep the eyes well protected from bright light. Use of sunglasses when going out in bright sunlight is required. The use of eye drops is recommended. Glasses with lenses in which light passing is appropriately adjusted according to the patient's requirements are used.

How to Prevent Hemeralopia?

Certain healthy habits can be used for well-protected eyesight. For example, Hemeralopia can be prevented in such ways:

1. Good Diet to Prevent Hemeralopia: Several types of proteins can be consumed in a diet for good vision. However, bright green spinach and other forms of salad are the primary choices for a good idea. Brightly colored and leafy vegetables provide nutrients to the body that benefits vision to a great extent. Vitamin A, found in carrots and sweet potatoes, is good for the eyes. Fruits such as strawberries and mangoes carry vitamin C helpful in combating eye diseases. Freshwater fishes provide omega 3 in large amounts.

2. Avoid Sun Exposure to Prevent Hemeralopia: Several short-wave and long-wave rays through the sunlight can be corrosive to vision. It leads to cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses are the best way to protect the eyes.

3. Keep the Eyes Lubricated to Prevent Hemeralopia: Drying the eyes can stress the retina and cause hemeralopia. Using electronic devices for an extended period can cause dryness in the eyes. It makes eyes feel itchy and disturbed. Eye drops are used to keep them moist and protected.

4. Quit Smoking to Prevent Hemeralopia: Smoking increases the risk of blindness or eye problems, including hemeralopia. Smoking produces cyanide that mixes into the bloodstream and can damage the eye. If carried regularly, it may permanently destroy the central vision of the eyes.

5. Get a Regular Eye Examination to Prevent Hemeralopia: For prevention of the condition, regular and consistent eye checkups are recommended. A routine eye examination can protect the eye from any severe eye diseases, including hemeralopia, in the future. In addition, conditions like glaucoma and diabetic eye problems can be tracked on time. Regular visits to your eye specialist can ensure proper treatment on time and reduce further damage.

Conclusion

Day blindness or hemeralopia can be caused due to several other conditions. Presently no definite form of treatment can cure the condition. However, sometimes correction of cause can automatically correct the condition. Reasons for hemeralopia must continuously be assessed individually. Precautions can be used to keep eyes healthy and well protected from hemeralopia. A regular eye examination can help in early diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage.