Visual Snow Syndrome

Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects around 2-3% of the world’s population. It impacts the vision, hearing, cognition, sensory processing, and quality of life of individuals who are affected. The name “Visual Snow” stems from the incessant static that victims experience, much like that of an old TV, which may appear as if the individual is looking at the world through a snow globe.

Symptoms:

Visual snow manifests itself in both visual and non-visual symptoms. Here are some common symptoms that victims may experience:

Visual Symptoms:

• Seeing static or snow in your vision 24/7 with your eyes open and closed
• Having objects remain in your vision after the actual image is gone (palinopsia)
• Augmented sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Having compromised vision at night (nyctalopia)
• Having floaters in vision and Blue field entoptic phenomenon
• Experiencing migraine auras

Non-Visual Symptoms:

• Experiencing ringing/buzzing in ears (tinnitus)
• Feeling anxious or depressed
• Having brain fog
• Having insomnia
• Experiencing derealization or depersonalization

VSS’s precise cause is still unknown since it is such a rare disorder. However, research hints that its origin is connected to the complex interplay of neural signals between the eyes and the brain as well as hyperactivity from the visual cortex of the brain.

At present, there is no standard treatment or cure for VSS. Doctors may suggest antidepressants like amitriptyline to mitigate the visual cortex’s hyperactivity. Additionally, researchers are actively exploring the possibility of using migraine and anti-seizure medication as a treatment for Visual Snow due to their similarities in symptoms. Many individuals with VSS will choose to use migraine glasses, which are typically red-tinted lenses, to help with light sensitivity.

There are many current studies which are trying to better understand and treat Visual Snow. For example, Dr. Sui Wong led a groundbreaking study along with teams from Moorfields Eye Hospital as well as Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital (London) which explored the potential of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in alleviating VSS. The aim of the study was to use mindful practices to re-train the brains of people with Visual Snow to remove the static in their vision. The study, conducted in 2022, consisted of an 8-week MBCT course where individuals with Visual Snow who had minimal prior experience with mindfulness techniques were taught meditation and cognitive treatment practices. Participants met weekly in groups and had additional daily at-home practices. Interestingly, MBCT was originally designed to prevent depression, but many of its aspects were modified to specifically address Visual Snow.

As said by Dr. Wong, “This research uses mindfulness training as a potential treatment for visual snow. Our feasibility study on functional MRI scans already showed it can improve VSS, correlating with a change in the brain’s visual network – like a form of brain training to modify brain pathways.”1

The study opens new doors in the intersection of mindfulness and neurological research, showing a promising future for the treatment of VSS.

Raising awareness for Visual Snow Syndrome is crucial. Not only can it reduce stigma around this often misunderstood syndrome, but it can also empower the affected, improve healthcare practices, and advance research. Currently, only 2-3% of the world is estimated to have Visual Snow Syndrome. However, this is largely flawed and underestimated due to the lack of awareness of VSS. Today, many people are still suffering in silence through misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis, simply because they do not know that there is an explanation for the phenomenon that they are experiencing. An enhanced awareness can improve education within the general public about VSS knowledge, preventative measures, and care. This article serves as a call to the scientific community and society at large to unite in discovering the complex connections between neurology and ophthalmology to better understand and treat VSS.