Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a neurological condition characterized by persistent visual disturbances, including seeing flickering dots, static, or snow-like patterns across the entire visual field. Individuals with VSS often describe their symptoms as similar to looking through a static-filled television screen. These visual disturbances can be constant or intermittent and may worsen in low light conditions or when looking at plain surfaces such as a clear sky or a white wall.
Other common symptoms associated with VSS may include:
Palinopsia: Seeing afterimages or trailing images of objects that have moved.
Photophobia: Increased sensitivity to light.
Halos: Seeing bright circles around light sources.
Floaters: Perceiving spots or lines drifting in the visual field.
Migraine: Some individuals with VSS also experience migraines or other types of headaches.
The exact cause of visual snow syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to abnormal processing in the visual cortex of the brain. It is often considered a form of persistent migraine aura, but it can occur independently of migraines as well. VSS can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to difficulties with concentration, reading, and driving.
Treatment for VSS varies and may include medications to manage symptoms such as migraines, as well as therapies aimed at reducing visual discomfort and improving coping mechanisms. Since the condition is relatively rare and still not well understood, research into its causes and potential treatments is ongoing.