Content of review 1, reviewed on September 20, 2025

Major points
1. The diagnostic criteria for visual snow syndrome (VSS) are defined to exclude those caused by substance abuse. Even if the clinical symptoms are similar to those of VSS, it is better to consider the symptoms induced by SRIs as a different pathology from VSS. Therefore, although the cases presented in this study present with VS symptoms, authors should not be considered VSS. The title should also be "Serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants: a trigger for visual snow?"
2. SRIs may induce VS symptoms, but VS symptoms often persist even after discontinuation of SRIs. The authors should discuss the possible mechanisms.
3. The authors write ”Serotonin is found in the retina, where evidence suggests it has a neuro-modulatory role, and even in the tear film. SRIs have been linked to disruption of the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium, thinning of ganglion cell and retinal nerve fibre layers and ocular surface inflammation. It is therefore possible that the symptoms reported by the patients in our study could reflect direct SRI effects on the eye.” in Discussion section. In VSS, the retinal nerve fiber layer and retinal pigment epithelium are not damaged, so photophobia and nyctalopia cannot be explained. Therefore, if this hypothesis is valid, the pathological condition presented in this study can be considered a completely different phenomenon from VSS.
4. In the conclusin section, serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants may trigger the visual phenomenon of "visual snow," but they are not considered to trigger "visual snow syndrome."

Minor points
1. “VSS” and “visual snow syndrome” and “VS” and “visual snow” are mixed in the text.

Source

    © 2025 the Reviewer.

References

    Hannaa, B., David, H., Dee, M., Jonathan, L. 2025. Serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants: A trigger for visual snow syndrome?. International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine.