Yes it is mentioned a few times that Spalko wishes to gain control over the psychic powers and that's just what destroys her - the visions. It doesn't have any impact at all though and her burning eyes are nothing compared to rapid aging/decomposing or face melting. We never really know what she's "given" to bring about that reaction. All we have is a TERRIBLE sneering alien and then poof, she turns to sand and flies up to the ship. BORING. Empty.

My main concern with the newsreel is that we WILL see what visions bring about that reaction, but that they won't be impactful enough to warrant such a reaction, which is why we need to build then imply the visions we aren't able tose are F'n nuts!