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Updated: May 27, 2025
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Assessment of Global Ocular Structure Following Spaceflight Using a Micro-Computed Tomography Micro-CT Imaging Method
Published on: October 27, 2020
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Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and its countermeasures
Tuan Nguyen1, Joshua Ong2, Tyson Brunstetter3
1Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York City, New York, USA.
Progress in Retinal and Eye Research
|February 19, 2025
Summary
Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) presents risks to astronauts, including vision changes. This review explores SANS causes and potential countermeasures for space exploration safety.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Astronaut health
Background:
- Long duration spaceflight can cause Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS).
- SANS includes optic disc edema, refractive shifts, globe flattening, and chorioretinal folds.
- These findings pose potential health risks for astronauts and future space exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential causes of SANS.
- To examine countermeasures for preventing and mitigating SANS.
- To identify future research directions for SANS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on SANS.
- Analysis of potential etiological factors.
- Evaluation of proposed and existing countermeasures.
Main Results:
- Identified key neuro-ophthalmic findings associated with spaceflight.
- Compiled a comprehensive list of potential SANS countermeasures.
- Highlighted the need for multidisciplinary research and terrestrial analog studies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding SANS is critical for ensuring astronaut health during extended missions.
- A variety of countermeasures show promise for mitigating SANS.
- Further research is needed to address individual susceptibilities and validate mitigation strategies.
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