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Ocular outcomes evaluation in a 14-day head-down bed rest study.

Giovanni Taibbi1, Ronita L Cromwell, Susana B Zanello

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|September 24, 2014
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This study simulated microgravity using head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) and found minor ocular changes, including improved visual acuity and retinal nerve fiber layer thickening. Most parameters returned to baseline post-bed rest, indicating generally safe short-term exposure.

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Area of Science:

  • Space medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Human physiology

Background:

  • Microgravity poses risks to astronaut vision.
  • Head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) simulates microgravity effects.
  • Understanding ocular changes is crucial for spaceflight safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate ocular outcomes during a 14-day head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR) study.
  • To assess changes in visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and retinal structure.
  • To determine the safety of short-term HDTBR for ocular health.

Main Methods:

  • 16 healthy subjects underwent 14 days of 6° HDT bed rest.
  • Ophthalmological examinations included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and Spectral-domain OCT.
  • Pre/post-BR and in-bed measurements were compared using statistical tests.

Main Results:

  • Near best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) slightly improved; spherical equivalent shifted.
  • Intraocular pressure (IOP) showed a small, transient increase (+3.03 mmHg).
  • Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) increased, particularly in the temporal-inferior and nasal-inferior quadrants, without optic disc edema.

Conclusions:

  • 14-day HDTBR caused minor, non-progressive ocular changes.
  • Improved BCVA may be due to a learning effect.
  • Transient IOP elevation and RNFL thickening occurred, returning to baseline post-study.