You can improve night vision by keeping your eyes adjusted to the dark as much as possible when going from a lighted area to one that is dark. Avoid directly looking at sources of light while moving around at night or in darkness, because this hinders the ability of the eyes to adjust, creating poor night vision. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke weakens the eyes in general, which defeats efforts to improve night vision. It is advisable to avoid even thirdhand smoke, to which a person is exposed when doing things such as handling the clothes of a smoker. Consuming foods very rich in vitamin A, antioxidants and lutein is one of the most effective ways you can improve night vision naturally.
Learning to allow your eyes to adjust to the dark requires some concentrated effort. If you have to move from a lighted area to a dark one, or if the lights are suddenly dimmed or turned off, you can help your eyes to adjust. Simply close them, keep them closed for a few seconds, then begin to open them very slowly so that they are not "shocked" and strained. When you cannot close them, you can try squinting instead, so that any transition from a well-lit area to a dark one is not too sudden.
It is generally believed that you can help improve night vision by scanning your environment in the dark rather than focusing on any one source of light; again, this requires a little practice because the normal reaction is to focus on light sources. Although smoking is not generally associated with poor eyesight, smoke is a proven eye irritant and an interference with any effort to improve night vision, because the toxic chemicals in first and secondhand smoke are known carcinogens. All carcinogens have a deteriorating effect upon the organs and tissues of the body, including the eyes.
Eating foods that are rich in beta-carotene, lutein and antioxidants, such as carrots and green leafy vegetables, has been medically proved to be effective as a time-tested natural method used to improve night vision. Many people believe that taking synthetic vitamin A supplements will produce results. There are ways you can ensure that you ingest adequate amounts of nutrients needed to improve night vision, such as drinking at least 4 ounces (118 ml) of fresh carrot juice daily. Many grocery stores also sell eggs that are high in lutein.