Definition

A condition where a person has difficulty seeing in low light or darkness.

Example

People with nyctalopia often struggle to see when the sun sets.

Conversation

I heard you had trouble seeing at night recently.

Yeah, I think I might have nyctalopia or something similar.

That sounds frustrating; what does it feel like?

It's weird — everything just seems so dark, even with streetlights.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nyctalopia → It is formed from "nyct-" (from Greek "nyktos", meaning night) and "alopia" (from Greek "alōpia", meaning a condition of the eyes). The word refers to a condition of the eyes that affects vision at night or in low light.

Memory Tip

Think of 'night' ('nyct-') and a 'condition of the eyes' ('alopia') to remember that nyctalopia is a condition affecting vision in the dark.

Visually Confused Words