I’ve been living with VSS for six months now! Prior to waking up with all of my visual disturbances, I had completely normal vision. My symptoms include static, photophobia, palinopsia, permanent auras, and flashes, among others. I learned about Visual Snow Syndrome after months of doctors telling me they had never heard of anyone having these symptoms and attributing it all to migraines.
I was finally able to get into Emory University Neuro-Ophthalmology and received my diagnosis. My doctors believe my VSS was brought on by a viral infection. There’s no history of it in my family or any other factor that could have contributed to it that I am aware of.
Coping with VSS has involved a series of life adjustments and learning how to accept it for what it is. It’s absolutely possible for those who have this condition to live normal and fulfilling lives, although at first, it does feel like the end of the world. I was able to finish my master’s degree and am doing very well with it all. Hopefully, one day there will be more acknowledgment of VSS in the medical community!
