The term "day blindness" refers to a medical condition in which an individual experiences a reduced ability to see in bright light. The phonetic transcription of this word is /deɪ ˈblaɪndnəs/, which breaks down as follows: "deɪ" for the long vowel sound in "day," "ˈblaɪnd" for the word "blind" with stress on the first syllable, and "nəs" for the ending "ness." Understanding the phonetic transcription helps with pronunciation and accuracy in spelling the word correctly.
Day blindness, medically known as hemeralopia, is a visual impairment characterized by decreased or complete loss of vision in bright light conditions, particularly during daylight hours. Individuals with day blindness experience difficulty seeing clearly in well-lit environments and may display symptoms such as blurred vision, eyestrain, and increased sensitivity to light.
Day blindness is typically caused by an abnormality in the visual system, such as damage to the retina, the thin layer of tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. This can result from various factors including certain genetic conditions, retinal dystrophy, or vitamin A deficiency. In some cases, day blindness may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as cataracts or glaucoma.
The condition can significantly impair an individual's day-to-day activities, making it challenging to perform tasks that require clear vision in daylight, such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces. However, in low-light or dimly lit environments, individuals with day blindness may have relatively normal vision.
Treatment options for day blindness depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, prescription eyeglasses with tinted or polarized lenses can help reduce light sensitivity and improve visibility. However, if day blindness is caused by an underlying medical condition, addressing that condition may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms. Regular eye examinations and consultation with an ophthalmologist are essential for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
• Hemeralopia.
• Inability to see clearly in a bright light, hemeralopia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "day blindness" is derived from two separate terms - "day" and "blindness".
The word "day" comes from the Old English word "dæg", which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages. It has remained relatively unchanged in form and meaning throughout its history.
The word "blindness" comes from the Old English word "blindnes", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "blindinassu", meaning "blindness, dimness". This term is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *bʰle-, meaning "shine, gleam, glow".
When combined, "day blindness" refers to a medical condition known as "hemeralopia", which is a visual disorder characterized by difficulty seeing in bright light or during the day.