From human terrestrial models to new preventive measures for ocular changes in astronauts : Results of the German Aerospace Center studies

Abstract

Ocular changes in astronauts, particularly the spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), pose amedical challenge for which no suitable preventive measures exist. During long-duration spaceflight missions, e.g. to the Moon and Mars, SANS and radiation-induced cataract could affect the health and performance of crews and jeopardize the success of missions. Mechanistic studies and development of preventive measures require suitable terrestrial models. Overview on the most recent research and future plans in space medicine. Search for relevant publications using PubMed. Bed rest studies at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) demonstrated that strict bed rest in a -6° head down tilt position reproduces changes just like SANS on Earth. This model including creation of optic disc edema is applied in human studies testing influences of artificial gravity through short arm centrifugation as apreventive method. The unique research facility :envihab provides the opportunity to also simulate the ambient conditions of the International Space Station during bed rest studies. Future head down tilt bed rest studies will serve to systematically test preventive measures for SANS. Similar investigations would be difficult to realize under real space conditions. Through close collaboration between space medicine and terrestrial ophthalmology, this research can benefit patients on Earth.