Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome: New Technologies to Advance Research in a Fast Moving Field

Abstract

Spaceflight is expected to boom in the next several decades. This will likely include an increase in deep space exploration and long-duration missions. It is well established that spaceflight has potentially hazardous effects on human health. One of the concerning conditions experienced by astronauts on long duration space missions is spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), which includes symptoms such as swelling around the optic disk, changes in ocular anatomy, and visual refractory errors. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of this syndrome. However, there are unique challenges faced with studying this syndrome and a clear etiology is not currently known. As more individuals venture into space for longer periods of time, it is important to assess the value new technologies could add to learning more about syndromes such as SANS and improving human health in space overall. New complex human in vitro models and other technological devices may allow researchers to investigate these issues and give greater insight into the pathophysiology of SANS, potentially leading to improved countermeasures and therapeutics.