Visual Snow Syndrome is a condition where the person experiences tiny black and white or coloured dots moving constantly over their entire field of vision, almost like static on an old TV screen. This condition, was first identified in 1995.
Sometimes confused with migraine aura, Visual Snow Syndrome has certain criteria for diagnosis. The dots should persist for at least three months, and be accompanied by at least two of the following: a persistent after-image of an object or a comet-like tail behind a moving object; excessive floaters or coloured waves when your eyes are closed; significant sensitivity to light; impaired night vision; and the symptoms are not typical of a migraine aura or other diagnosis.
In addition to visual symptoms, people with Visual Snow Syndrome may also experience non-visual symptoms such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus); depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself); and in some cases anxiety and/or depression. People with Visual Snow may also have migraines or brain fog; dizziness and/or nausea; sleep disorders; and tingling and/or pain in body parts.
For further information see the Visual Snow Initiative – Collaborate, Educate, and Cure, a website providing support, education and collaborative research.
People with Visual Snow should have a comprehensive examination with an optometrist who has advanced education and experience in Visual Snow.