Do you suffer from a persistent sensation of flickering dots or “TV static” in your vision?
If so, then you may be experiencing a rare neurological condition referred to as Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS). It is often present in patients who have a history of traumatic brain injury, anxiety, or depression and can be debilitating in one’s day-to-day life. The medical community at large is still learning about visual snow; there is no definite known cause, nor is there a treatment that works for every patient.
However, there remains hope: some patients are able to experience relief or even resolution of their symptoms with neuro-optometric treatment. Both Drs. Margolis and DeStefano are highly familiar with VSS and are trained in all available neuro-optometric treatments for VSS.
VSS Goes Beyond the Static!
Common Visual Symptoms In Visual Snow Syndrome:
– Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)
– Trails Behind Moving Objects (Palinopsia)
– After-Images
– Halos, Starbursts, and Streaks Around Lights
– Sensitivity to Visual Patterns/High Contrast (Pattern Glare)
– Sensitivity to Visual Motion/Movement
– Ghost Images
– Night Vision Impairment (Nyctalopia)
– Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
– Oculomotor Dysfunction
Common Non-Visual Symptoms In Visual Snow Syndrome:
– Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus)
– Headaches/Migraines
– Anxiety
– Feeling of Disconnection from Oneself/Reality (Depersonalization/Derealization)
– Dizziness/Vertigo
– Cognitive Difficulties (Brain Fog)
Associated Conditions
Common Causes of Visual Snow Syndrome:
– Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury
– COVID-19
– Lyme Disease
– Mold Exposure
– Recreational or Prescription Drugs
– Intense Psychological/Emotional Distress
– Present at Birth (Congenital)
– Cause Unknown (Idiopathic)
Common Correlated Conditions:
– Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome (ADHD)
– Autism Spectrum Disorder
– Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)/Dysautonomia
– Ehler-Danlos Syndrome
– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The following website provides customizable simulations of many common vision disturbances present in Visual Snow Syndrome, including simulations of the visual snow itself. While this simulator does not perfectly represent everyone’s experience with the condition, it can be a useful tool for educating others in your life how you may see. http://www.visionsimulations.com
In addition, both doctors have been able to improve VSS symptoms in the majority of their patients. In some cases, they have been able to completely eliminate symptoms.
If you suffer from VSS, then contact Visual Symptoms Treatment Center for a new patient examination. Drs. Margolis and DeStefano will be happy to discuss your case and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include specialty lenses, tints, prisms, light therapy (known as syntonic phototherapy), and/or active vision therapy.
Dr. DeStefano’s Visual Snow Initiative Interview:
Dr. DeStefano’s Visual Snow Reddit AMA – Among Top All-Time Posts On r/VisualSnow:
https://www.reddit.com/r/visualsnow/comments/10pf305/i_am_a_neurooptometrist_who_often_works_with/
To learn more about Visual Snow Syndrome, you may also visit the Visual Snow Initiative’s website at https://www.visualsnowinitiative.org