Visual Snow History

Historically, it has been challenging for people with Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) to receive an accurate diagnosis. Due to its visual symptoms, many people with VSS and their physicians thought their eyes were the origin of the problem. But when referred to optometrists and ophthalmologists (eye doctors), who would test for abnormalities, their results typically came back “normal”. That is because VSS is a sensory processing disorder that affects vision and originates in the brain, not the eyes.

First Clinical Mention of Visual Snow

Visual snow/static was first reported in the Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society in 1944. Frank D. Carroll published descriptions of 6 patients experiencing visual disturbances induced by digitalis, a medication for heart ailments. These included “snowy vision, flashing and flickering lights, flowerlike figures, green and yellow vision, and colored floaters”. All 6 patients underwent ophthalmic (eye) examinations, and findings were negative. Carroll surmised that digitalis impaired the central nervous system, stimulating the cerebrum to cause visual disturbances.

Today, there are various types of physicians and specialists equipped to address VSS, including neuro-ophthalmologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, neuro-optometrists, and vision therapists who are trained in the management/treatment of VSS symptoms. But previously, VSS struggled to gain clinical acceptance.

Not Migraine, But Visual Snow Syndrome

Until recently, the legitimacy of the condition was met with doubt and marginalization. Physicians were never taught about VSS in medical school. Most of them had never heard of VSS. Among those who had, some rejected its validity.

Most assumed that VSS was simply a form of migraine/migraine aura (despite VSS patients also experiencing other debilitating visual and non-visual symptoms that were not consistent with migraine/migraine aura). The study, “Persistent Positive Visual Phenomena in Migraine” (Liu et al., 1995, Neurology), explored visual symptoms like static or snow across the entire visual field in ten migraine patients. Despite normal neurological and ophthalmological results, these symptoms persisted for months or even years. This study was critical in our future understanding of VSS.

Initially thought to be related solely to migraine aura, the symptoms described did not fully align with traditional migraines. Instead, they matched VSS, which was not recognized at the time. It was one of the first modern studies to explore the overlap and differences between VSS and migraine, ultimately helping solidify VSS as a distinct neurological condition with continuous visual disturbances, both with and without migraines.

Though some patients report the onset of VSS symptoms after a migraine, many VSS cases are independent of migraines. Unlike migraines, where visual symptoms resolve, VSS symptoms are constant, affecting individuals 24/7.

VSS: A Real & Distinct Neurological Condition

Other physicians insisted that VSS was not a “real” medical condition, falsely attributing patient reports of VSS symptoms to a psychiatric/psychological disease. This now scientifically-disproven illogical, primitive notion caused tremendous harm to the wellbeing of those with VSS and their loved ones who were seeking help. The debilitating nature of VSS symptoms coupled with the medical community’s historic marginalization, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment of VSS patients can have a profoundly negative and devastating impact on their mental health.

There were also informed physicians who knew that VSS was a legitimate, distinct neurological condition and wanted to help their patients. But without funding for further research, awareness, education, and treatment options, solutions for VSS would not be possible.

Recognition, Research, & Resources for VSS

Today, thanks to establishment of clinical criteria, global awareness, education, and research, VSS is now scientifically-recognized as a legitimate, distinct neurological disorder (with both visual and non-visual symptoms). Frequency of misdiagnosis is reducing. There is active, global research for VSS funded by the Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) that is taking place in several countries, which is revealing new information regarding the pathophysiology, biological basis, and treatment of VSS symptoms. For the first time ever, diagnostic tools, a global directory of VSS physicians, physician-patient resources, as well as noninvasive and viable treatment options are available. Moreover, following the establishment of VSI’s Diagnostic Criteria for VSS, advocacy efforts by the Visual Snow Initiative, along with VSS researchers, have clarified the relationship between VSS, migraine, and additional conditions/symptoms, reducing misdiagnosis. Helping efforts by continuing to raising awareness and supporting research are essential for improving patient outcomes globally, furthering education about VSS within the medical community, advancing our understanding of the condition, and developing solutions. Together, we can continue to make significant progress.

Please see the sections below for more information.