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What Is Visual Snow – And Can an Optometrist Help?

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If you’ve ever noticed a persistent “static” or “snow-like” flickering in your vision — similar to an old TV screen — you may be experiencing a condition called Visual Snow Syndrome. While it’s not fully understood, it can be frustrating and disruptive to daily life.

At Perception Eyecare, your trusted Stoney Creek optometrist, we work with patients experiencing complex visual symptoms like visual snow and help them explore options for relief and support.


What Is Visual Snow?

Visual snow is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes visual information. People with visual snow describe seeing:

  • Tiny flickering dots or “static” across their entire field of vision
  • Light sensitivity or glare
  • Afterimages or ghosting
  • Trouble seeing in low-light environments
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in some cases

Unlike typical vision problems, visual snow doesn’t originate from the eyes themselves, but from the visual processing centers of the brain. However, many patients first seek help from their optometrist when symptoms arise.


How a Stoney Creek Optometrist Can Help

While there is currently no cure for visual snow, a thorough eye exam is a crucial first step to rule out other conditions and provide clarity on your symptoms. At our Stoney Creek optometry & eye care clinic, we:

  • Conduct comprehensive eye exams and retinal scans to rule out retinal or optic nerve issues
  • Assess for coexisting conditions like migraine with aura, which is often linked to visual snow
  • Offer tinted lenses (e.g., FL-41 filters) to reduce glare and visual discomfort

Many patients find that lifestyle changes, migraine management, and certain optical filters can significantly reduce the visual discomfort caused by visual snow.


Personalized Eye Care in Hamilton and Stoney Creek

Whether you’ve recently noticed unusual visual symptoms or have been living with visual snow for years, our team at Perception Eyecare is here to help. We provide supportive and thorough eye care in Hamilton and Stoney Creek, helping patients feel seen, heard, and guided through the next steps.

As a locally trusted Stoney Creek optometrist, we’re committed to helping you get answers and find ways to manage your visual health long-term.


Book a Consultation at Perception Eyecare

If you’re experiencing unexplained visual symptoms like flickering, static, or light sensitivity, don’t ignore them. Let us help you get the clarity and care you deserve.

📞 Call 289-309-1090 to book an appointment with your local team at Perception Eyecare, a trusted Stoney Creek optometry & eye care clinic offering expert support and advanced vision testing.

Written by Dr. Jasjeet Shinger

Dr. Jasjeet Shinger has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree and completed her Doctorate of Optometry with honours at the University of Waterloo. While attaining her Doctorate in Optometry, Dr. Shinger worked with a binocular vision and pediatric specialist during her clinical externship, which helped her gain a keen interest in helping patients manage binocular vision deficiencies that can affect learning.
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