iarjmsIARJMSIARJMS2708-359410.47310/iarjms.2025.v06i01.003Lights Out!: Understanding Public Awareness of Night Blindness and Its CausesBackground: Night blindness (nyctalopia) is a vision impairment characterized by difficulty seeing in low light, often linked to vitamin A deficiency, retinal disorders, or genetic factors. Despite its preventable nature, awareness remains limited, particularly in underserved regions. This study assessed awareness, knowledge, and preventive practices regarding night blindness among residents of Himachal Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults in Himachal Pradesh using a structured online questionnaire. The survey assessed socio-demographics, knowledge of night blindness causes, symptoms, and preventive practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: While 82% correctly identified night blindness as difficulty seeing in low light, only 61.5% recognized vitamin A's preventive role. Awareness of symptoms like poor vision in dim light was limited (66.8%). Knowledge scores revealed 38.8% with “Very Good,” 38.5% with “Good,” 15.5% with “Fair,” and 7.3% with “Poor” understanding. Rural residents and individuals with limited education exhibited higher rates of low knowledge scores. Conclusion: Despite reasonable awareness in some areas, significant gaps remain in understanding key symptoms and preventive strategies. Targeted educational campaigns, improved nutritional awareness, and enhanced vision care in underserved areas are essential to address these gaps.