Visual snow is a term used for persistent visual static or tiny flickering dots seen across the whole field of vision, often likened to analogue television noise. It is considered a neurological visual phenomenon rather than a problem originating in the eye itself.
Typical Features
People with visual snow usually describe constant grainy vision in both eyes, present even with eyes closed and in different lighting conditions. Other symptoms may include afterimages, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing in dim environments, or tiny moving shapes in the peripheral vision.
- Symptoms often begin in young adulthood and can be long-standing
- Routine eye examinations are frequently normal
- Visual snow may coexist with migraine, especially migraine with aura
- Symptoms are continuously present rather than occurring in short attacks
Assessment and Management
Diagnosis is clinical, based on the symptom pattern and exclusion of other causes such as retinal disease, optic nerve problems, or neurological conditions. Management focuses on education, reassurance once serious disease is excluded, and addressing associated issues such as migraine, anxiety, or sleep disturbance.
- Neuro-ophthalmology or neurology assessment may be recommended in complex cases
- Brain imaging can be considered to rule out structural abnormalities
- Some individuals benefit from tinted lenses or adjustments to screen settings
- Support groups and counselling can help people adapt to persistent symptoms
