The Driver That Almost Killed Us

In a rainy night, Hassan sits in his car, gripping the steering wheel, peering through the windshield.

Hassan (muttering): “Why is everything so hazy?”

While he drives cautiously, headlights illuminating the wet road. He still feels something's not right.

“You know, night blindness isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s dangerous. Imagine driving without seeing pedestrians or road signs.”, he remembered the doctor, saying to him, a few days back in clinic.

''Difficulty seeing at dusk are classic signs. You’re lacking vitamin A.”

Hassan: “But I eat regular meals! How can I be deficient?”

Doctor: “Sometimes, it’s not about quantity but absorption. Your body needs enough vitamin A to produce rhodopsin, a protein critical for night vision.”

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, especially in low-light conditions. It’s like a fuel in lanterns.

The retina has rods and cones. Rods are night warriors—they detect dim light. Rhodopsin, made from vitamin A, lives in these rods. When light enters your eye, rhodopsin is activated.

Without enough vitamin A, rhodopsin production falters.

'Take this' handing him a vial of vitamin A supplement.

'Also remember to take vitamin A rich food such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, milk , tomatoes and fish oil.'

After coming back from the flashback, still raining, he got a deep sense of guilt for ignoring the Doctor's advise.

Hassan: “I’ve got these vitamin A supplements. Gotta fix my rhodopsin production''

Hassan drives very cautiously to the destination and finally drops off the passenger safely, with rain easing up.

So remember, folks, vitamin A isn’t just for rabbits—it’s for all of us. So, eat your veggies and keep those night roads safe!