Visual Snow vs Visual Aura: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between Visual Snow Syndrome and a Visual Aura—and can you experience both?

In Episode 87 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, neuro-ophthalmologist Dr. Rani Banik, MD speaks with Caryn Hartglass, who has experienced visual snow since childhood as well as several dramatic episodes of migraine aura.

Caryn describes persistent visual static that she remembers seeing as early as age five. She also recalls a very different visual experience while performing onstage: a vivid arc of colorful geometric shapes that appeared across her field of vision.

Dr. Banik explains how Visual Snow Syndrome differs from migraine aura, why the two conditions may coexist, and which features can help distinguish one from the other.

They also discuss:

• Persistent visual static and other VSS symptoms
• Scintillating scotoma and migraine aura
• Tinnitus and sensory-processing symptoms
• Stress, dehydration, sleep, and other possible triggers
• Meditation and nervous-system regulation
• When visual symptoms may warrant additional evaluation
• Caryn’s lifelong experience with visual snow
• Her cancer-survivorship journey and the roles of nutrition, meditation, and community

About My Guest

Caryn Hartglass is co-founder of Responsible Eating and Living (REAL) and host of It’s All About Food on the Progressive Radio Network. She is a longtime plant-based food advocate, speaker, author, and cancer survivor.

Follow The Eye-Q Podcast™ for expert conversations about eye health, migraine, brain health, nutrition, and integrative medicine.

*Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized medical advice.