Hello, my name is Heather, and I’d like to share my story.
I recently discovered that I have Visual Snow Syndrome. Realizing that not everybody sees the grainy, static-like images I’ve always seen was eye-opening. I’ve had this condition since I was a little girl. Looking back, there’s even a photo of me holding a drawing filled with dots everywhere—I believe that was my way of expressing what I saw through my vision.
As I’ve gotten older, it feels like it’s getting worse—especially with increased screen time for work, reading, etc.
To cope, I’ve started limiting my screen use and grounding myself in nature whenever possible. I’ve also created a peaceful space for painting, and the artwork has become a beautiful part of my home decor. I’ve taken up yoga to calm my nervous system, and other hobbies like journaling, playing chess, and singing are now part of my daily routine. This experience has taught me to be more present and mindful.
I’m truly grateful that there’s ongoing research and therapy for VSS. Coming across this page and learning about NORT and vision therapy exercises feels like a miracle. I appreciate all the work being done—it gives me hope and new tools to try and see life more clearly.
