Tips for Managing Visual Snow Syndrome

Welcome to our patient guide on tips for managing Visual Snow Syndrome. This guide will provide you with useful information on various strategies and lifestyle modifications that can help manage your VSS symptoms. Based on our VSS community and patient feedback, these are some coping strategies that have been proven helpful to manage VSS symptoms. Remember, these tips may not work for everyone, and it is important to discuss any new strategies with your healthcare provider.

FL-41 Tinted Glasses

FL-41 glasses have a specific tint that blocks and reduces certain wavelengths of light that can trigger or worsen some VSS symptoms. FL-41 tinted glasses have been reported to reduce sensitivity to light and can also provide relief for those who experience migraines, or eye strain.

FL-41 glasses are widely available in commercial stores. Additionally, the VSI hopes to develop a brand of FL-41 tinted glasses specifically designed for individuals with VSS.

Chromatic Filters

Chromatic filters are designed to block or reduce specific wavelengths of light, which can cause visual discomfort and exacerbate VSS symptoms. Chromatic filters can help improve visual comfort when using electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

Many devices offer built-in options to adjust the screen’s color temperature or apply chromatic filters. There are also applications and screen protectors that can apply chromatic filters to your device.

Eating a Healthy Diet

While a healthy diet alone may not completely alleviate VSS symptoms, it can play an important role in overall health and well-being. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and support your brain health.

Additionally, some patients have reported that avoiding certain foods or substances, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, has helped.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also be beneficial.

Reducing Stress/Anxiety

High stress and anxiety levels can lead to a change or fluctuation in VSS symptoms. Therefore, finding ways to manage and reduce stress is essential.

Engaging in stress-reducing activities can help manage stress levels and improve overall well-being.

Here are some stress-reducing activities that may help according to patients:

Redirect Your Focus Elsewhere, Retrain Your Brain

Redirect your attention away from the visual disturbances and focus on the people, places, or objects behind them. Practicing this consistently teaches your brain that VSS symptoms, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous.

This may take self-discipline, but over time, your brain can get accustomed to “ignoring” the visual disturbances, which will make them less noticeable to you.

Many people with VSS have reported a significant improvement in quality of life, comfortability, and daily function using this method, so much so that they seldom or no longer notice their symptoms.

Shifting Your Mindset

Shift your mindset to understand that, despite the challenges of VSS, you still havr the potential to adapt and enjoy life. Try to avoid fixating on the negatives of VSS and concentrate on what you can do.

It can be tough not to have a negative emotional response to your symptoms. Negative emotions and frustrations are valid and understandable, but can increase stress and worsen VSS symptoms. When possible, reframe negative thought patterns to improve your overall well-being.

Use healthy coping strategies and positive outlets. Empower yourself with inspiring VSS stories and educational content. Offer positive self-affirmations for daily achievements, big or small. Connect with others in similar situations for mutual support and shared coping techniques.

Moderate Physical Activity

Moderate physical activity can have numerous benefits for individuals with Visual Snow Syndrome. In addition to reducing stress and promoting relaxation, exercise has been shown to improve overall physical and mental health.

Exercise also increases blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which may help improve visual function and manage VSS symptoms.

It must be noted that individuals with VSS should engage in physical activity that is appropriate for their level of fitness and does not exacerbate their symptoms. Before starting any new exercise routine, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Getting Enough Hours of Sleep

Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality, especially over a prolonged period of time, can cause VSS symptoms to intensify.

Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential for cognitive functioning.

This is an important consideration for overall health, but particularly in the case of brain-related conditions like Visual Snow Syndrome.

It can be helpful to establish good sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, setting a regular sleep schedule, and creating a comfortable sleep environment that suits your symptoms.

Making Your Bedroom VSS-Friendly

Making your bedroom VSS-friendly can help you achieve more restful sleep and minimize symptoms of VSS.

Here are some strategies that may help according to patients:

Keep your bedroom dark and free from unnecessary visual stimuli, such as bright lights or flashy patterns. You can use curtains to block outside light sources.
Avoid using screens before bed as the blue light emitted can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Use a white noise machine for managing tinnitus. White noise machines can help reduce the perception of tinnitus by masking the ringing or buzzing sound.

How to set up color filters on IOS?

How to set up color filters on Android?

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