10 Incredible Patient Success Stories That Happened in 2017

Baptist Eye Surgeons • December 18, 2017

A family is sitting in front of a christmas tree.Every month or so, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) publishes an incredible patient success story that makes us proud to be apart of such a strong community of doctors dedicated to saving vision and improving lives. As a salute to all of the brave patients and their families who’ve overcome more than what anyone could imagine, here is a recap of their journeys and where they are in 2017.

Mom’s Intuition and a Ground-Breaking Treatment Save Boy’s Eye and His Life

“Never underestimate a mother’s intuition. Lisa Morris’ son Cooper was just 6 months old when she noticed his left eye looked unusual in photographs. There was a glint that gave him a slightly cat-eyed appearance. A week later, at his well-baby appointment she asked her family physician to take a closer look. He didn’t see anything concerning. Maybe it was nothing, but her intuition told her to remain on guard… Continue Reading

Contact Lens Infection Threatens Woman’s Vision And Her Wedding Day

“The day of Te’ LaVette’s wedding was busy, but not in the way she had planned. Te’ had a bad habit of sleeping in her contact lenses. She got away with it for some five years. But it caught up with her – on her wedding day. Within 24 hours, what started as an annoying pain in her left eye, progressed to blindness… Continue Reading

Eye Exam Saves Man’s Life

“Sometimes a medical eye exam can save a life. David Hibler, Sr., went to ophthalmologist Michael Feilmeier, MD, because he had trouble with his vision. Within minutes, he learned he could suffer a major stroke at any moment… Continue Reading

Sight-Threatening Injury Turns Teenager into Sports Eye Safety Advocate

“When 15-year-old Angellia Lilomaiava got poked in the eye as she went up for a two-foot shot during a basketball tournament, she fell to the court in excruciating pain. But as she made her way back to the bench, she had no idea she just sustained an NBA-level injury that would threaten her vision and take her out of the game she loved for nearly four months… Continue Reading

Timely Glaucoma Diagnosis Prevents Woman’s Blindness

“Christine Chapman knew she was at risk of developing glaucoma. Her mother lost much of her vision to the eye disease. When her own vision started to fail, she went into panic mode, and immediately called her health insurer. The wait to see an ophthalmologist — a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care — was an astounding six months. But she knew the type of glaucoma her mother suffered from could truly turn into a medical emergency… Continue Reading

Woman’s Vision Saved After Devastating Fireworks Injury

“Think only those who play carelessly with fireworks get injured? Meet Stacy Young. She was sitting more than 100 yards away from a firework display when she was struck in the head. Her skull was fractured in five places, she lost an eye, half her face was burned black, her hair, gone… Continue Reading

Routine Eye Exam Saves Teenager’s Life

“It was just a last-minute trip to the ophthalmologist for a quick prescription for contact lenses before he left town for a soccer tournament. But by day’s end, 15-year-old Nick Myers was in an ambulance on his way to the hospital for emergency treatment to save his life… Continue Reading

New York Woman Beats the Odds After a Violent Attack Results in Severe Eye Damage

“While most people don’t look forward to doing something as mundane as laundry, for Julissa Marquez of Brooklyn, New York, the ability to see shapes and colors of clothing is a satisfying feeling. It is a complete departure from a violent assault that left her blind… Continue Reading

Boy’s Vision Saved After Coat Hook Punctures Eye

“Outgoing, boisterous, and always on the move, Jackson Allen is a 5-year-old with a sunny disposition who loves making people laugh. One afternoon, an unimaginable accident nearly cost Jackson his sight, which could have changed the course of his life forever… Continue Reading

 

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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