Space Flight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome

JAMA Ophthalmol. 2017 Sep 1;135(9):992-994. doi: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2017.2396.

Abstract

New and unique physiologic and pathologic systemic and neuro-ocular responses have been documented in astronauts during and after long-duration space flight. Although the precise cause remains unknown, space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) has been adopted as an appropriate descriptive term. The Space Medicine Operations Division of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has documented the variable occurrence of SANS in astronauts returning from long-duration space flight on the International Space Station. These clinical findings have included unilateral and bilateral optic disc edema, globe flattening, choroidal and retinal folds, hyperopic refractive error shifts, and nerve fiber layer infarcts. The clinical findings of SANS have been correlated with structural changes on intraorbital and intracranial magnetic resonance imaging and in-flight and terrestrial ultrasonographic studies and ocular optical coherence tomography. Further study of SANS is ongoing for consideration of future manned missions to space, including a return trip to the moon or Mars.

MeSH terms

  • Astronauts
  • Choroid Diseases / diagnosis
  • Choroid Diseases / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperopia / diagnosis
  • Hyperopia / etiology*
  • Intracranial Pressure
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Papilledema / diagnosis
  • Papilledema / etiology*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology
  • Space Flight*
  • Spinal Puncture
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*
  • Weightlessness / adverse effects*