[Visual Snow Syndrome: Symptoms and Ophthalmological Findings]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Visual Neuroscience

Background:

• Visual snow syndrome is defined by continuous visual snow, often accompanied by other visual disturbances.
• Diagnosis requires excluding ophthalmological, neurological, or pharmacological causes.
• This study investigates the clinical characteristics and diagnostic criteria of visual snow syndrome.

Observation:

• Seven patients (3 male, 4 female, aged 13-36) with visual snow were evaluated.
• All patients underwent thorough ophthalmological examinations, including visual acuity, perimetry, and imaging.
• Additional symptoms included palinopsia, impaired night vision, and positive light phenomena.

Findings:

• All patients had normal visual acuity (≥1.0) and standard ophthalmological test results.
• Five patients reported a history of migraine with aura.
• Neurological investigations and drug history (hallucinogens, central pharmaceuticals) were normal in all cases.

Implications:

• Visual snow syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion with normal visual function parameters.
• Persistent migraine aura, neurological disorders, and drug intake must be ruled out.
• Further research is needed to understand the underlying pathophysiology of visual snow syndrome.