How does aging affect vision in dim light?

As people age, the ability to see in dim light, often referred to as "night vision," naturally declines. This physiological change occurs because the sensitivity of the eye to low illumination decreases in older individuals compared to younger ones.1

Additionally, the size of the pupil tends to reduce with age, which further impacts vision in low-light environments. Because of these changes, older adults often find that their vision is significantly improved by increasing the level of illumination in their surroundings. While these shifts are a common part of the aging process, older individuals also experience an increased sensitivity to glare.1

It is important to distinguish these age-related changes from night blindness, which is a specific clinical condition characterized by a failure of the eye to adapt to darkness. While age-related reductions in low-light sensitivity are typical, persistent or severe difficulty seeing in dim light may be a symptom of underlying retinal diseases or other health factors.23