Title : Visual snow syndrome: Unraveling a mysterious visual disorder
Abstract:
Visual Snow Syndrome (VSS) is a neurological disorder characterized by persistent visual disturbances, most notably a continuous “visual snow” or static across the visual field, which can profoundly impact quality of life. In addition to the primary symptom of visual snow, patients often experience palinopsia (afterimages), photophobia (light sensitivity), and nyctalopia (difficulty seeing in low light), as well as an array of entoptic phenomena, including floaters and photopsias. These persistent symptoms, occurring independently of any ophthalmic or neurological pathology, complicate the diagnostic process and often lead to delays in proper diagnosis and management. Despite its significant prevalence, affecting up to 3% of the population, VSS is often underrecognized, leading to challenges in timely diagnosis and management.
This presentation delves into the clinical characteristics and diagnostic criteria of VSS, focusing on the use of Pattern-Visually Evoked Potentials (VEP) to assess cortical visual processing. Findings from VEP studies indicate a heightened excitability in the visual cortex among VSS patients, suggesting cortical hyperactivity. This data supports the hypothesis that VSS may stem from disturbances in the thalamocortical visual pathway, highlighting a possible link to the cortical hyperexcitability seen in migraine disorders. Changes in neurotransmitter pathways and psychological impact are also discussed as a possible cause of VSS.
Given the limited understanding of VSS, current treatment options remain primarily symptomatic, with variable success seen in pharmacological interventions. The chronic, often debilitating nature of VSS symptoms also leads to psychological impacts, including anxiety and depression, further emphasizing the importance of early recognition and support.
This presentation highlights VSS-specific visual symptoms with made-by-patient graphics. By increasing awareness of VSS among ophthalmologists, we can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient support. This presentation aims to enhance understanding of VSS pathophysiology, explore diagnostic advancements, and call attention to the need for further research into targeted therapies for this challenging condition.
