Visual Disturbances: Is It Visual Snow or Something Else?

Q: Visual Disturbances: Is It Visual Snow or Something Else?

Hello： Based on your description, your visual issues may be related to "visual snow" or "visual persistence." These phenomena can be normal in certain situations, but if you suddenly become aware of them and start to worry, it may exacerbate your discomfort. <br>Here is a brief e

Visual persistence? Visual snow syndrome? Mental health issues?

Hello Doctor, I currently have high myopia in both eyes, close to 900 degrees.
Recently, I started experiencing dizziness, which coincided with a change in my glasses.
I went to an ophthalmologist to check my prescription and also underwent a visual field test; both results were normal.
However, in my quest to find the cause of my discomfort, I couldn't help but continuously search for information and self-examine what I see.
Besides noticing a slight symptom of floaters in my right eye, a few days ago, I suddenly realized that the colors and images I see are not flawless.
For example, when looking at a white wall, I noticed that the entire wall appears to be composed of tiny pixel-like noise, similar to what one might see on a television screen.
Even though this noise seems to be black, I still recognize that the wall is white.
This phenomenon is not limited to just the wall; I see it in everything.
These tiny noises are both black and white, resembling the artifacts left on a digital screen.
This realization made me question whether my perception of the world has always been like this, and I only became aware of it recently due to my closer examination.
It's difficult to articulate what I see; if I had to describe it, I would say that the objects appear normal, but their surfaces have a faint grainy or signal-like quality, akin to a very mild version of visual snow syndrome, which I found in online simulations.
It's as if there is a white noise that persists even when my eyes are closed, and I only noticed it when I opened my eyes.
I suspect this might be a normal phenomenon related to visual persistence because, prior to this week, I was completely unaware of any abnormalities and felt no discomfort.
However, upon suddenly realizing this, I began to pay more attention to it and find myself observing it from time to time.
I feel overly sensitive, almost as if I have a mental illness, but I'm also a bit worried that my perception is unique.
I want to ask others if this is normal, but I find it difficult to describe what I am trying to express regarding what I see.

Tim, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your description, your visual issues may be related to "visual snow" or "visual persistence." These phenomena can be normal in certain situations, but if you suddenly become aware of them and start to worry, it may exacerbate your discomfort.
Here is a brief explanation of these phenomena:
1.
Visual Snow: Visual snow is a visual disturbance where patients see particles resembling snowflakes or noise in their field of vision.
These particles are usually black or white and may sometimes appear to flicker.
This phenomenon can occur against any background, whether looking at a white wall or other objects.
2.
Visual Persistence: Visual persistence occurs when the eyes are exposed to light, and a residual image of the light is seen for a short period afterward.
This is particularly common after looking at a television, computer, or smartphone screen.
3.
Mental Stress and Anxiety: Sometimes, anxiety and stress can make individuals more aware of subtle changes in their body or vision, amplifying these sensations.
This may lead you to be more concerned about minor visual changes.
Since you have already undergone an eye prescription check and visual field test with normal results, some common ophthalmic issues can be ruled out.
However, your description involves high myopia (900 degrees), which may make you more sensitive to visual changes.
Individuals with high myopia sometimes experience specific visual phenomena, such as floaters, which you also mentioned.
I recommend that you:
1.
Relax: Reduce anxiety and try to stay calm.
Overly focusing on subtle visual changes can actually increase discomfort.
2.
Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular eye examinations to ensure eye health.
Those with high myopia particularly need regular check-ups to prevent other ocular diseases, such as retinal detachment.
3.
Avoid Eye Strain: Limit prolonged screen time and take appropriate breaks for your eyes.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to return to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation by a professional.
This will help ensure that any potential issues are detected and addressed early.
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you.

Reply Date: 2024/07/03

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing visual disturbances that could be related to a condition known as Visual Snow (VS) or possibly other visual phenomena. Visual Snow is characterized by a persistent perception of tiny flickering dots or "snow" in the visual field, similar to the static seen on a television screen without a signal. This condition can be distressing, especially when it is coupled with other symptoms like headaches or dizziness, which you mentioned.

Given your high degree of myopia (close to 900 degrees) and the presence of floaters, it is understandable that you are concerned about your visual health. High myopia can lead to various complications, including retinal detachment, which is why regular eye examinations are crucial. You have already undergone eye exams, including a refraction and visual field test, which returned normal results. This is reassuring, but it does not completely rule out the possibility of Visual Snow or other visual disturbances.

The phenomenon you described, where you see a pixelated or grainy texture over surfaces, could indeed be related to Visual Snow. However, it could also be a result of visual fatigue, especially if you have been spending extended periods looking at screens. This is often referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which can cause symptoms like blurred vision, dry eyes, and visual disturbances when focusing on digital screens for too long. The fact that adjusting the angle of your screen temporarily alleviates the issue suggests that your symptoms may be exacerbated by screen glare or improper lighting conditions.

Another possibility is that you are experiencing visual afterimages or visual persistence, which can occur after prolonged exposure to bright lights or screens. This can create a sensation of seeing residual images or patterns, especially in high-contrast environments.

Here are some recommendations to help manage your symptoms:
1. Regular Eye Exams: Continue to have regular check-ups with your eye care professional, especially given your high myopia and the presence of floaters. This will help monitor any changes in your eye health.

2. Screen Time Management: Limit your screen time and take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

3. Proper Lighting: Ensure that your workspace is well-lit to reduce glare on your screens. Consider using anti-glare screen protectors.

4. Hydration and Humidification: Keep your eyes hydrated by using artificial tears if you experience dryness, and consider using a humidifier in your workspace.

5. Stress Management: Since anxiety can amplify your perception of visual disturbances, practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga may help.

6. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting a neuro-ophthalmologist or a neurologist. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation to rule out any neurological conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are not uncommon among individuals with high myopia or those who spend significant time on screens. It is essential to continue monitoring your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to ensure your visual health is managed effectively.

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