Visual snow syndrome

Alternate names

Visual snow

Definition

Visual snow syndrome affects the way the visual information is processed by the brain and eyes. People with visual snow syndrome see many flickering tiny dots, like snow or static, that fill the entire visual field.

Clear vision versus disturbed vision

File:Visual snow3.gif

Cause

• The underlying cause of visual snow syndrome is unknown.
• It is thought to be due to a problem with how the brain processes visual images.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of visual snow syndrome may include:

• Tiny, snow-like dots across the visual field
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Continuing to see an image after it is no longer in the field of vision (palinopsia)
• Difficulty seeing at night (nyctalopia)
• Seeing images from within the eye itself (entoptic phenomena)
• Less common symptoms may include migraines, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and fatigue.
• In general, the symptoms of visual snow syndrome don't change with time.
• Some people with visual snow syndrome have depression or anxiety related to their symptoms.
• The symptoms of visual snow syndrome can start at any age, but usually occur in early adulthood.

Diagnosis

• Visual snow syndrome is diagnosed based on the symptoms and a specific set of criteria.
• In order for a person to be diagnosed with visual snow syndrome, other potential causes of the symptoms must be ruled out.
• Most people with visual snow syndrome have normal vision tests and normal brain structure on imaging studies.

Treatment

Treatment for visual snow syndrome is focused on managing the symptoms and preventing migraines. Specialists involved in the care of someone with visual snow syndrome may include:

• Neurologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Psychologist

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Visual snow syndrome

Visual snow syndrome is a rare disease.

Visual snow syndrome Resources
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