In this video series, Dr. Sui Wong explores key topics related to Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS), including recent advancements in research, the development and application of the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT protocol, the potential impact of an official ICD classification for VSS, evolving scientific understanding of the syndrome, common misconceptions, and more.
Dr. Wong, a Consultant Neurologist and Neuro-ophthalmologist at St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, serves as Vice President of the UK Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Her research is the first to investigate MBCT as a potential treatment for VSS symptoms.
Dr. Sui Wong’s research, published in the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, utilized functional MRI (fMRI) imaging and patient-reported outcomes to evaluate the potential of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in reducing symptoms of Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) and improving quality of life. The study demonstrated significant, objective changes in brain activity, particularly within the visual network of the brain, suggesting MBCT’s capacity to modulate the dysfunctional neural connectivity associated with VSS.
Findings indicated notable reductions in both visual symptoms, such as visual static, and non-visual symptoms, including anxiety and sensory disturbances. Improvements in overall quality of life were also reported. These outcomes were supported by neuroimaging evidence showing measurable changes in resting-state functional connectivity within the visual network, further corroborated by participant feedback.
The study, titled “Visual Snow Syndrome Improves With Modulation of Resting-State Functional MRI Connectivity After Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: An Open-Label Feasibility Study“, was presented at the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) Conference. These findings have garnered strong support from the neuroscience community, including VSS expert Dr. Owen White, who emphasized the potential of MBCT to advance VSS treatment
Additionally, Dr. Wong provided supporting testimony to advocate for the formal recognition of Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) within global health systems, including its inclusion in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), to enhance diagnostic accuracy, research, and treatments.
The full video series is now available on the Visual Snow Initiative YouTube channel