Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and Its Countermeasures.

Journal: Progress In Retinal And Eye Research
Published:
Abstract

Astronauts can develop a distinct collection of neuro-ophthalmic findings during long duration spaceflight, collectively known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). These clinical characteristics include optic disc edema, hyperopic refractive shifts, globe flattening, and chorioretinal folds, which may pose a health risk for future space exploration. Obtaining knowledge of SANS and countermeasures for its prevention is crucial for upcoming crewed space missions and warrant a multidisciplinary approach. This review examines the potential causes and countermeasures of SANS, including space anticipation glasses, lower body negative pressure, venous thigh cuffs, impedance threshold devices, translaminar pressure gradient modulation, centrifugation, artificial gravity, pharmaceuticals, and precision nutritional supplementation. This paper highlights future research directions for understanding the genetic, anthropometric, behavioral, and environmental susceptibilities to SANS as well as how to use terrestrial analogs for testing future mitigation strategies.

Authors
Tuan Nguyen, Joshua Ong, Tyson Brunstetter, C Gibson, Brandon Macias, Steven Laurie, Thomas Mader, Alan Hargens, Jay Buckey, Mimi Lan, Peter Wostyn, Cihan Kadipasaoglu, Scott Smith, Sara Zwart, Benjamin Frankfort, Sarah Aman, Jessica Scott, Ethan Waisberg, Mouayad Malsalkhi, Andrew Lee