The short version
The SEE Sick Syndrome (SSS) is a condition in which symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue are triggered simply by seeing motion or by eye movement. Many patients also become extra sensitive to light.
Because the trigger is visual rather than physical, symptoms can show up during ordinary tasks like riding in a car, shopping, reading, using a computer or smartphone, exercising, or watching movies.
How SSS shows up in daily life
Symptoms are tied to visual motion exposure, so they can appear whenever the eyes take in movement:
- Riding in a car or other vehicle
- Walking through busy stores or scanning shelves while shopping
- Reading or scrolling across a page
- Using a computer, smartphone, or other digital screen
- Exercising, especially in environments with lots of movement
- Watching movies or other video content
Extra light sensitivity is a frequently reported companion to these symptoms.
Who discovered it
The SEE Sick Syndrome was discovered and defined by Dr. Roderic W. Gillilan, OD. Dr. Gillilan received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1956, and his clinical work with motion-sensitive patients led him to identify SSS as a distinct, visually triggered condition.
His work laid the foundation for a treatment approach known as Dynamic Adaptive Vision Therapy (DAVT).
What to read next
To dig deeper into specific symptoms or to learn what to do after a diagnosis, explore the related pages below.