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Understanding visual snow syndrome: A retrospective study from a tertiary eye care center.
Satgunam, PremNandhini; Kannan, Kiruthika; Hathibelagal, Amithavikram R.
Affiliation
  • Satgunam P; Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
  • Kannan K; Srimati Kanuri Santhamma Centre for Vitreoretinal Diseases, Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
  • Hathibelagal AR; Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Hyderabad Eye Research Foundation, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Indian J Ophthalmol ; 72(2): 211-216, 2024 Feb 01.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38099384
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

Visual snow syndrome is a debilitating neurological condition. A comprehensive eye examination may not detect any abnormalities in this condition. Presently the condition is recognized only through the history elicited. Hence, it becomes important to understand the presenting complaints and profile of these patients. A retrospective study at a tertiary eye care center was undertaken to achieve this goal.

METHODS:

Electronic medical records of patients presenting to a Binocular Vision and Orthoptics clinic were reviewed. Records of the patients containing keywords such as "light sensitivity, shadowing, visual snow, multiple images, and night vision" were retrieved and inspected. Those matching the diagnostic criteria of visual snow syndrome were included in the study.

RESULTS:

A total of 33 patients (average age ± standard deviation 29.7 ± 9.8 years) were identified. Majority of the patients were males (69%). All the patients had logMAR visual acuity 0 or better in each eye. The most prominent (84.4%) presenting symptom was palinopsia (or afterimage or trailing). About 34.4% complained of floaters (including snow-like appearance). More than half (54.6%) of the patients also had binocular dysfunction.

CONCLUSION:

Visual snow syndrome is a relatively new condition on the rise, with unclear pathology. The symptoms of this condition can easily be confused with regular floaters or black spots seen in vitreous and retinal pathologies. In the absence of such pathology, an elaborate history should be elicited, and the distress of the patient should be acknowledged. The patient should also be reassured that this is not a blinding condition.
Subject(s)

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Perceptual Disorders / Vision Disorders Limits: Female / Humans / Male Language: En Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol / Indian j. ophthalmol / Indian journal of ophthalmology Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: India Country of publication: India

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Perceptual Disorders / Vision Disorders Limits: Female / Humans / Male Language: En Journal: Indian J Ophthalmol / Indian j. ophthalmol / Indian journal of ophthalmology Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: India Country of publication: India