Summary

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), also known as Visual Snow (VS), is a neurological condition that has devastating effects on an individual’s vision, hearing, and cognitive functioning. Once thought to be rare, it is now estimated that 2-3% of the world’s population has symptoms of the condition. People from around the world of all ages and walks of life are and can be affected by it. Most often, the condition causes people to process visual information abnormally, making normal life more difficult for them. Patients see flashing lights, flickering dots, and static, all of which obstruct their visual field 24/7. There is no relief for them, even when their eyes are closed. What differentiates Visual Snow symptoms from other fleeting phenomena is that they are constant, not temporary, meaning that they do not go away on their own. The condition also has an array of non-visual symptoms (see below for more details).

The exact cause of Visual Snow is still unknown. However, research indicates there is a probable connection between hyperactivity in the visual cortex of the brain and the origin of this syndrome. Moreover, it is a neurological (brain-related) condition, not ophthalmological (related to the eyes). Visual Snow is a brain-processing issue that affects an individual’s eyesight, but it is unrelated to the structural integrity of the eyes. 

The diagnosis of Visual Snow Syndrome is typically difficult because although it affects the eyes, ophthalmologic/optometric examinations typically yield “normal” results. Visual Snow is not a disease (a health issue of a known origin as determined through medical testing). Rather, Visual Snow is a syndrome (multiple symptoms of unknown origin & medical tests nearly always come back “normal”). Neuro-ophthalmologists are typically more equipped to address this condition.

CLICK HERE to view the Diagnostic Criteria (to share with your doctor, etc.), as well a more comprehensive list of visual symptoms.