Snowy Vision

Some people see the world as if through a snow storm.   I often describe what the patient sees as the picture shown on old style black and white analog television with poor reception.  There has been very little scientific work done on this subject.  Therapeutic trials with medicines however have been done with some degree of success.  The problem appears to involve imbalance in the central nervous system.  Certain receptors are overstimulated.  Treatment involves intentionally increasing the amount of dopamine available to the brain while blocking certain types of dopamine receptors.  It involves additional therapy with atypical antipsychotic agents.

Many patients who have this abnormality have been exposed in the past to hallucinogenic drugs such as psilocybin and LSD.  It is felt that some synthetic forms of hallucinogens may offer some relief.  These patients are among the most challenging in the practice.  Certain of their effects may be mitigated using optical means such as neutral density filters and tinted lenses.

Diagnosis involves a thorough neuro-ophthalmic exam and then neuro-imaging and examination for spinal fluid abnormalities and  blood tests for metabolic defects, drugs and toxins.