Visual Snow: Causes and Vision Therapy Treatment

Visual snow is a rare and often misunderstood condition that causes people to see persistent flickering, static-like patterns across their vision, similar to television static.

These disturbances can make daily tasks challenging and may be accompanied by additional visual symptoms such as light sensitivity, afterimages, or difficulty focusing.

Although visual snow is not caused by an issue within the eyes themselves, it affects how the brain processes visual information.

At For Beautiful Eyes, we offer vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation to help manage symptoms and improve visual comfort.

Symptoms of Visual Snow Syndrome

Visual snow is characterised by a continuous visual disturbance that can occur in both bright and dark environments.

• Static-like visual noise across the entire field of vision
• Light sensitivity (photophobia), causing discomfort in bright environments
• Afterimages (Palinopsia) – seeing lingering images even after looking away
• Glare and halos around lights
• Poor night vision or difficulty seeing in dim lighting
• Eye strain and fatigue

Some individuals also experience non-visual symptoms such as migraines, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

If these symptoms persist or worsen, an eye exam and neurological assessment are recommended to rule out underlying conditions.

What Causes Visual Snow?

While the exact cause of visual snow is still being researched, studies suggest it is related to neurological hyperactivity in the visual processing centres of the brain.

• Brain Processing Abnormalities – The brain’s visual cortex may be overactive, causing the persistent static effect.
• Migraine Disorders – Many people with visual snow also experience migraines or aura-related symptoms.
• Concussions or Head Trauma – Some cases appear after a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Nervous System Dysfunction – Hyperexcitability in the brain’s sensory pathways may lead to persistent visual disturbances.
• Medication Reactions – Some individuals develop visual snow after medication use, particularly those affecting the nervous system.

How Can Vision Therapy Help Visual Snow?

While there is currently no cure for visual snow, vision therapy can help retrain the brain to process visual information more effectively, reducing symptoms and discomfort.

At For Beautiful Eyes, we offer customised vision therapy programs designed to:

• Improve visual processing skills
• Enhance eye coordination and tracking
• Reduce visual fatigue and strain
• Train the brain to filter out unnecessary visual noise

Vision Therapy Treatments for Visual Snow

Our vision therapy programs involve tailored exercises and techniques to help calm visual hyperactivity and retrain the brain’s interpretation of visual input.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation – Helps retrain the brain’s visual pathways to improve how visual information is processed.
2. Contrast Sensitivity & Light Adaptation Training – Designed to reduce sensitivity to light and glare, helping improve visual comfort in bright environments.
3. Eye Tracking & Coordination Therapy – Exercises that improve how the eyes work together, reducing strain and visual disturbances.
4. Blue Light & Tinted Lens Therapy – Tinted or coloured lenses can help reduce glare and visual overstimulation.
5. Guided Relaxation Techniques – Stress management through relaxation and breathing exercises to reduce visual snow symptoms.

Managing Visual Snow: Tips for Daily Life

• Reduce screen exposure – Limit time on digital devices and use blue light filters.
• Wear tinted lenses – Specialised lenses can reduce glare and sensitivity.
• Manage stress and migraines – Reducing triggers like caffeine, poor sleep, and dehydration can help.
• Increase outdoor time – Natural lighting can help recalibrate the visual system.
• Regular eye breaks – Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Why Choose For Beautiful Eyes for Vision Therapy?

Our team is skilled in customised vision therapy programs designed to help manage neurological and functional vision conditions like visual snow.

• Comprehensive neuro-optometric assessments
• Custom vision therapy programs tailored to each patient
• Ongoing progress tracking and treatment adjustments
• Holistic approach to managing visual snow symptoms

Book a Vision Therapy Consultation Today

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent visual static, afterimages, or light sensitivity, vision therapy may offer relief.

At For Beautiful Eyes, we provide comprehensive visual snow assessments and personalised therapy programs to help you regain control of your vision.

Contact us today to book an appointment and learn how we can help.