Visual Snow Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Visual Snow Syndrome?

Visual Snow Syndrome refers to a sensation where people see the world through constant flickering dots passing over their entire field of vision whether their eyes are open or closed, according to Monash University Australia. Visual Snow Syndrome is not an eye problem, rather a symptom of an underlying neurological condition.

How Does Visual Snow Affect Vision?

Visual snow affects vision as the affected person sees “snow” or “static” like patterns whether they have their eyes open or closed, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

An explainer image that shows typical vision versus the vision of those with visual snow.

Is Visual Snow Considered a Dangerous Condition?

Yes and no, visual snow is not considered a dangerous condition. Everyday, you can still go about your daily routine and visual snow by itself without the presence of other symptoms. However, certain activities can prove to be more challenging, which is why it is recommended to seek advice from your healthcare provider

Can Visual Snow Be Confused With Other Eye Conditions?

Yes, visual snow can be confused with eye conditions such as migraine aura. A migraine aura refers to a collection of symptoms that you might experience before or during a migraine attack. Some of the visual symptoms can overlap such as flashes of bright light and blurry vision.

What Causes Visual Snow in the Eyes?

There is no official cause for visual snow in the eyes at the time of this article being written. Currently, It is classified as: a neurological problem believed to be caused by altered visual processing within the brain processing visual information sent from the eye, according to Monash University.

How are Neurological Disorders or Migraines Linked to Visual Snow?

Neurological disorders or migraines are linked to visual snow as visual snow is considered a neurological disorder, and migraines are a common occurrence that can happen at the same time.

Can Lifestyle Factors Trigger Visual Snow?

No, lifestyle factors do not trigger visual snow. However those exposed to certain stimuli with visual snow experience sensory overload more easily. This can make busy lifestyles and places such as concerts, grocery stores and crowded streets triggering according to the Visual Snow Initiative. Dim or low-light conditions, harsh artificial light, bright sunlight, and darkness can also be triggering according to a study done by the Frontiers in Neurology.

What are the Symptoms of Visual Snow?

The symptoms of visual snow include vision static, light sensitivity, palinopsia and impaired night vision. Read more about these symptoms below.

Vision filled with black and white dots: The key symptom of visual snow is when your vision is filled with black and white dots, resembling the static from an old TV. These black and white dots should persist for at least three months before a diagnosis can be given.
Light Sensitivity: Light sensitivity is a common symptom of visual snow, making environments with harsh, artificial light uncomfortable.
Palinopsia: Palinopsia is another symptom of visual snow, which refers to the phenomenon wherein someone sees the image of an object after looking away from it.
Impaired night vision: Impaired night vision can occur due to the static-like vision that visual snow brings. Night driving might be more challenging due to difficulty adapting to the dark or contrast sensitivity issues. Going from light to dark settings can also be a problem for those with visual snow.

An image that details the symptoms of visual snow syndrome: static vision, impaired night vision, flashes of light, and symptoms over 3 months.

How Do Grainy Vision Patterns Appear in Patients?

Grainy vision patterns appear in patients with visual snow through static- like patterns that can be colourful, black and white or transparent, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Can Visual Snow Symptoms Worsen in the Dark?

Visual symptoms do not usually worsen in the dark, it makes the dark less clear than it would be if you were seeing through normal vision. However, night driving might be more challenging due to difficulty adapting to the dark or contrast sensitivity issues.

Does Visual Snow Always Occur in Both Eyes?

Yes, visual snow always occurs in both eyes as it is a binocular phenomenon.

How is Visual Snow Diagnosed by Eye Doctors?

Visual snow is not diagnosed through eye doctors however they will be able to rule out other eye conditions through a detailed patient history and symptom description according to Westmead Eyes Optometrists.

What Procedures Do Eye Doctors Perform to Identify Visual Snow?

The procedures that eye doctors include inquiring about your medical history and conducting an eye test. Your optometrist will enquire about your medical history in order to rule out the presence of other diseases. You may be asked to see a neurologist or ophthalmologist, according to Cleveland Clinic. A comprehensive eye test will be conducted.

Can a Routine Eye Exam Detect Visual Snow?

No, a routine eye exam on its own will not detect visual snow. You may be referred to a neurologist to get a diagnosis.

What are the Treatments for Visual Snow Syndrome?

There is no treatment for visual snow syndrome that can cure it. However vision therapy, and lifestyle modifications such as avoiding bright lights can help improve it, according to Westmead Eyes Optometrists.

What Medications are Used for Visual Snow Syndrome?

Medications that can be used for visual snow syndrome may be discussed with your neurologist for tailored, professional treatment.

Is There a Cure for Visual Snow Syndrome?

No, there is not a cure for visual snow syndrome currently.

How does Anxiety or Stress Impact Visual Snow?

Anxiety and stress can both impact visual snow symptoms. Stress in particular can trigger flare-ups and intensity as it affects the nervous system and may change the neurotransmitter activity in the brain according to the Visual Snow Initiative.

Can Reducing Stress Lessen Visual Snow Severity?

Yes, reduced stress can lessen visual snow severity. High stress can trigger flare-ups of symptoms as it affects the nervous system, according to Visual Snow Initiative. That is why it is important to engage in activities that ease stress, as it is not always avoidable.

How do Mild and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder Differ in Symptoms?

Mild and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder differs in symptoms as it is more psychological, rather than physical symptoms. This disorder occurs when individuals re-experience symptoms they first encountered during drug use, with the individuals aware of these “pseudo-hallucinations” being fake according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Can Visual Snow Appear Suddenly Without Prior Signs?

Yes, visual snow can appear suddenly without prior signs. It is important to immediately consult an optometrist when you start exhibiting signs of visual snow, namely blurry, static-like vision.

How can Glasses Help Reduce Visual Snow?

Glasses may help reduce visual snow symptoms if they have a chromatic filter or tinted lenses. Chromatic filters intend to target specific light wavelengths that may aggravate Visual Snow such as those in the blue light spectrum, according to the Visual Snow Initiative. Tinted lenses are similar in this regard as they reduce wavelengths such as blue or fluorescent lighting that can aggravate blurriness and other symptoms related to visual snow. It should be noted they may reduce symptoms, however this will depend on the individual.

How Effective is Tinted Lenses at Reducing Visual Static?

Tinted lenses can be effective at reducing visual static for some people. Tinted lenses alter the light that reaches the eyes as they contain specific tints to reduce wavelengths for lessened symptom aggravation, according to Visual Snow Initiative Organisation.

Can Glasses Cure Visual Snow Syndrome Completely?

No, glasses cannot cure visual snow completely. However, frames with chromatic filters and tilted lenses can potentially manage visual snow syndrome symptoms well.

What Impact Does Prolonged Screen Use Have on Visual Snow Symptoms?

There is no scientific research done to suggest that prolonged screen use has an impact on visual snow symptoms. It may exacerbate visual snow symptoms such as increased blurriness and eye strain, however there is no conclusive evidence for this.

Can Reducing Screen Time Improve Visual Snow Symptoms?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest reducing screen time will improve visual snow symptoms. Reducing screen time may improve visual snow symptoms, but this will vary from person to person. Current research suggests specialised tinted lenses designed to minimise light sensitivity can be beneficial to those with Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) according to the Visual Snow Initiative.

What Methods can Help Manage Visual Snow Symptoms?

The methods that can help manage visual snow symptoms include wearing specialised lenses, maintaining a healthy diet and monitoring stress levels. Read more about these methods to help manage visual snow symptoms below.

Wearing Specialised Lenses: Wearing specialised lenses such as tinted lenses address symptoms related to light sensitivity, such as photophobia and migraines. These lenses can alleviate symptoms for those neurological visual disturbances such as Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS).
Lifestyle Management: Lifestyle management is important to consider when affected with visual snow. Current research suggests avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods helps mitigate symptoms, according to the Visual Snow Initiative.
Monitoring Stress Levels: Monitoring stress levels is important stress, whether physical or mental, can trigger flare-ups and increase symptom intensity, as it affects the nervous system and may alter neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Therefore, finding ways to manage stress is critical in minimizing its impact on VSS

Can Eye Exercise or Eye Yoga Reduce Visual Snow Symptoms?

No, eye exercises or eye yoga do not reduce visual snow symptoms. However, these can reduce eye strain or fatigue that can come with visual snow.