Rare condition is described as ‘tinnitus for eyes’
IS YOUR vision constantly clouded by what looks like white noise or ‘static’? Plenty of us have experienced odd specks or ‘floaters’ from time to time in our vision, which is completely normal.
However, if your vision is continuously affected and it’s interrupting everyday life, this isn’t normal and could be cause for concern.
According to leading medical reviewer, Dr Shane Kannarr, from eyesight experts, All About Vision, you could be suffering from a rare disorder known as visual snow syndrome.
This is a condition that has been described as ‘tinnitus for the eyes’ and also has links to anxiety and depression.
Visual snow syndrome is a crippling neurological condition which clouds people’s sight with a thick, persistent haze of grainy dots, and affects up to 2% of the population. Sufferers tend to see flashing lights, flickering dots and static which affects the way they see.
These dots are actually often described as what static looks like on an older television.
Dr Shane Kannarr explains: “There’s no relief from this condition, not even when those suffering close their eyes. It doesn’t vary with the background or image a person is focusing on either.
“This is also in contrast to the dots or specks that some people experience when looking at a plain light background, such as a white wall or blue sky too. These dots or specks are caused by vitreous floaters and are a completely normal change to the vitreous; a gel-like fluid which fills up our eyes. They won’t last for that long and won’t sit in your vision at all times unlike visual snow does.”
Visual snow is an exceedingly rare condition, and diagnosis is made when dots in the field of vision persist for at least three months, along with at least two other symptoms.
“The main symptoms to look out for are ‘after images’, excessive floaters and trouble with night vision. In some cases you may even experience photophobia – a condition where your eyes are very sensitive to light, and the sun or bright indoor light can be uncomfortable or even painful,” says Dr Kannarr.
“It can also cause many other debilitating non-visual symptoms like muscular pain, tinnitus and symptoms of anxiety or depression. Interestingly, up to two-thirds of those suffering with the condition also end up suffering with migraines too.”
The condition is sometimes referred to as ‘ Eye Tinnitus’, and there are links between the two conditions. When someone has tinnitus, they hear things that others can’t, often a high pitched constant ringing, while someone with visual snow sees things that others can’t see.
Most diagnosis tends to occur in the late teens to early 20s, and some patients have been known to develop this condition after a head trauma or a very significant infection. But with little known about this rare condition, lots of people continue suffering with it undiagnosed.
Dr Kannarr says: “Visual snow is currently a diagnosis of exclusion. All other causes, including migraines with aura and vitreal and retinal changes, must be ruled out with proper testing to make sure it’s not something else.
“Visual snow is mainly based on symptoms, as current testing will not show changes to anatomy and physiology of the sufferer.”
More recently Magnetoencephalography (MEG) – a non-invasive medical test to map brain activity – has been able to show differences between patients with migraines, control or asymptomatic patients and those with visual snow.
Those suffering are managed in the best way to minimise symptoms and the impact of the disorder on day-to-day activities. This sometimes includes medications like antidepressants and nerve pain medication, therapy and vision therapy. These patients should also be treated with a medical team including a neurologist, optometrist, and psychologist.
Interestingly, it’s known that some mild lifestyle changes could also help reduce symptoms by simply improving your overall health. You could try reducing screen time, keeping fit, eating a healthy diet and prioritising a good night’s sleep, which are all beneficial for reducing symptoms. Note these changes reduce symptoms for patients but do not treat the underlying disease.
Dr Kannarr adds: “You could try wearing tinted glasses too. Some experts have suggested that shading eyes from very bright light can reduce the intensity of the condition.
“Managing stress and anxiety through mindfulness techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises and meditation can also help improve symptoms.”
If you’re currently experiencing any of these symptoms and feel like you may have the condition, it’s important that you get in touch with your eye care professional who can make a full diagnosis.
This condition is unlikely to go away on its own, and could get worse, impacting your overall eyesight, so it’s best to catch this condition early to avoid any irreversible damage.
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