NUCCA News - Fear of the dark may be caused by night blindness

Friday, January 24, 2003

LONDON

By Health Newswire reporters

Some children’s fear of the dark may be due to a form of night blindness, rather than an attempt to seek attention, according to UK experts.

Photo Matthew Munro - Health Media Ltd

Sight condition could be behind fear of the dark

Many young children are afraid of the dark and the complaint is often attributed to an irrational fear that will subside with time, or attention-seeking behaviour.

However, researchers from Garnavel General Hospital in Glasgow say that, for some children, the fear may be due to a sight condition called night blindness, which often remains undiagnosed.

Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Gordon Dutton and colleagues highlight the cases of two children who were extremely frightened of the dark and dreaded being left alone when the lights were switched off – one child even had a fear of shadows.

Both had a history of bumping into things at night and complained of not being able to see in the dark even when their eyes should have adjusted to the dim conditions.

After examining the children, the researchers found they were suffering from a sight disorder called nyctalopia (night blindness).

The researchers say that, because this form of night blindness is so rare, doctors may often miss it, especially if there is no family history of visual problems.

They add that, where children are afraid of the dark, doctors need to take a full family history to find out about visual problems. The history should be followed by a complete ocular examination and electroretinography, to determine whether the children are suffering from night blindness.

“Night blindness in children can bring about profound fear of the dark. Recognition of the diagnosis and the simple expedient of giving the child control of lighting conditions can transform family life,” they conclude.

Source British Medical Journal

http://www.health-news.co.uk/