Imagine seeing the world through a thick veil of static—like the “snow” on an old television with no signal.
Now imagine seeing this constantly, without relief, and not being able to explain to anyone exactly what you’re seeing.
This describes quite accurately the daily life of a typical patient with Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS).
What is Visual Snow?
Visual Snow is a neurological condition, only recently described, which manifests as a continuous visual disturbance. Patients see countless small, flickering dots—like visual “snow”—across their entire field of vision.
But the condition doesn’t stop there.
Many patients also experience:
- Palinopsia: lingering images even after the object is gone
- Photophobia: heightened sensitivity to light
- Nyctalopia: difficulty seeing at night or in dim light
- Entoptic phenomena: such as floaters, which are common even in healthy individuals, but become constant and intrusive in Visual Snow
Diagnosis Challenges
A typical Visual Snow patient may go years without a diagnosis.
Why?
- Because it’s a sensory disorder that’s hard to identify without listening closely to the patient’s description
- Because standard eye exams usually show no abnormalities
The problem doesn’t lie in the eyes, but rather in how the brain processes visual information.
How Common Is It?
Though it was long unrecognized, recent research suggests it’s not rare.
A study from the UK estimated that up to 2% of the population might have a form of the condition, ranging from mild disturbances to full-blown syndrome.
In more severe cases, VSS can be debilitating, especially when it includes all the symptoms described above and is associated with common comorbidities like:
- Migraine
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
What Causes It?
The causes are still not fully understood.
However, brain imaging studies (from King’s College London) show dysfunction in the visual processing areas of the brain—especially the visual cortex.
We spoke with Dr. Francesca Puledda, a neurologist specialised in this condition and in headache disorders.
Can Visual Snow Be Treated?
Unfortunately, no specific treatment or medication currently exists for VSS.
Management must be individualized, focusing on the most disabling symptoms and often requiring an integrated, multidisciplinary approach.
Is Visual Snow Caused by Anxiety?
No.
Visual Snow is not caused by anxiety or psychological disorders.
However, these issues often co-occur, particularly because:
- A sudden onset of symptoms can lead to distress, anxiety, and depression
- The constant visual disturbance can impact quality of life
A timely diagnosis and psychological support can help manage the emotional burden—but it’s essential to distinguish the neurological origin of the condition from any psychiatric symptoms that may follow.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Visual Snow?
If you have symptoms that started suddenly or are interfering with your daily life:
If needed, they will refer you to a neurologist who specializes in sensory processing disorders
See your primary care doctor
They may order an eye exam to rule out ocular problems