What is visual snow?

Written By Kallel Hunter

Visual snow is a neurological condition characterised by the perception of flickering dots, similar to television static, affecting the entire visual field. It can include other disturbances like light sensitivity, night blindness, afterimages and more.

This persistent visual static can significantly disrupt daily life. Diagnosis requires a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Currently, there is no cure for visual snow, so treatment focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life.

More Info About Visual Snow:

  1. The condition affects approximately 2% of the population in the UK, although many individuals go undiagnosed. The symptoms of visual snow can potentially highlight other health conditions, e.g neurological disorders, ADHD and more.

  2. Common symptoms:

    • Visual Migraines

    • Tinnitus

    • Sensory anomalies

    • Grainy/ TV static like visual field

    • Light sensitivity (photophobia)

    • Afterimages

    • Night Blindness

    • Trailing phenomena (Palinopsia)

    • Difficulties with contrast perception.

    • Some individuals may also experience a decrease in mental health such as derealisation, anxiety, or depression.

  3. Visual snow often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can occur at any age. The exact cause of the condition remains unclear.

  4. There are no specific tests for visual snow; diagnosis is typically based on a thorough medical history and clinical evaluation. (In the UK, there is further research being done).

  5. Some individuals report that certain triggers such as stress, fatigue, or visual overload can exacerbate their symptoms. However, triggers can vary greatly from person to person.

  6. Currently, there is no established cure for visual snow. Management strategies may include lifestyle adjustments, medication to alleviate symptoms, and counselling to address associated anxiety or depression.

  7. Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of visual snow, as well as to develop specific therapies that can improve the quality of life for those affected.

  8. Visual snow is often reported in relation to other visual disturbances, such as migraine auras. This can complicate the diagnosis and management.

Kallel Hunter
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