The term “Visual Snow” may sound harmless, but this medical condition can be life-changing and frightening. Visual Snow Syndrome affects thousands of people of all ages and walks of life, but mostly young people in their teens and twenties. While the structure of their eyes may be fine, the issue lies within the brain, where hyperactivity of the visual cortex occurs; this is believed to be the root cause of Visual Snow.

In comparison to everyone else around them, patients see the world far differently. Without warning or cause, people with Visual Snow Syndrome are forced to view the world through an unceasing overlay of static with thousands of tiny moving dots and light across their field of vision. They are also subjected to other disturbing imagery, ranging from palinopsia to extreme light sensitivity. Beyond being bothersome and alarming, all of these symptoms can make the easiest of tasks exhausting or impossible. Moreover, they last 24/7, whether the patient’s eyes are open or closed.

Research indicates that Visual Snow Syndrome is a neurological condition, meaning the problem originates in the brain, not the eyes. Essentially, its genesis is in the brain, but it affects the eyes. This would explain why ophthalmological/optometric tests (eye exams) come back “normal” for patients with Visual Snow and why it is so difficult for doctors to diagnose.

Awareness and knowledge about Visual Snow Syndrome must replace unnecessary and invasive medical testing. For many, Visual Snow can be traumatic and isolating. The Visual Snow Initiative (VSI) is dedicated to further understanding the condition and working on a potential treatment/cure for it.

We often take the ability to see our world clearly for granted; those with Visual Snow do not have this luxury.