“Visual snow/lines/cracks/flashing?”
I work and I'm going to college spending 8-18 hours a day at a screen because I have to. Been doing this for years and I'm 26. my whole vision is constantly flashing especially when transitioning into something dark or blinking. I also have snowy vision with flashing black lines everywhere. When I wake up, I see a giant black crater with cracks in the center of my vision. I've gone to eye doctors and they said the pressure is fine and they couldn't find anything, but every year my vision gets worse. It's made me depressed, so I just give up on trying to take care of it.
Male | 26 years old
Complaint duration: 7
Medications: Zoloft
Conditions: Visual snow / Lines / Cracks / Flashing
6 Answers
Your symptoms do not suggest a high pressure. Sometimes, long hours in front of screens can have persistent effects, including, but not limited to afterimages and worsening dry eye. Go see an ophthalmologist (not optometrist), give them a more detailed description than you provide here. I'd recommend (and they will probably obtain) an automated perimetry (visual field test) using a Humphrey device. Depending on what that shows, I would consider asking for a neurology referral, which they might be able to give, or you might need to go through your primary care doctor. If neurology decides to order an MRI, and finds nothing, they may think you are having visual migraines (the most likely diagnosis). At that point, you could consider asking for a referral to a neuro-ophthalmologist, who will not see you unless you've already had an MRI. In the meantime, take frequent breaks from working, and see if that reduces your symptoms.
Good luck.
Good luck.
People like yourself would benefit from the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look out beyond 20 feet. This will give your eyes a break. Also using artificial tears when working at the computer will help. You can also use blue blocking glasses to ease the eyes. Some of the symptoms you are speaking of could be a retina problem and your eyes should be examined by an eye care professional.
This has been a terrific problem for folks over the years as there is no known cause. You should see a neuro-ophthalmologist and ask about their experience with the drug Lamotrigine, which has been successful in treating this in some sufferers.
Did you got to a retinal specialist? You need to asses your peripheral retina. And also this could be related to stress as in an ocular migraine. If the retinal specialist does not find anything, this is blood pressure fluctuations by stress, which could lead to migraines.
Dr. LMJ
Dr. LMJ
It is important that you see an Ophthalmologist as well as your family MD. What you are describing may be a visual issue but, it very well could be something going on with your body which gives you these symptoms.
It sounds like eye fatigue, or perhaps ocular migraine. See a neuroophthalmologist. SO
