Preventing Vision Loss in Astronauts during Spaceflight

When astronauts spend extended periods of time on the International Space Station (ISS), they are at risk of developing Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), which can lead to vision problems, including partial loss of vision. Scientists have been studying this condition to understand its causes and potential solutions.

Researchers, such as Matt Lyon, MD, from the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) at Augusta University, are collaborating with Polaris Dawn, a private spaceflight initiative operated by SpaceX, to investigate SANS. Lyon and his team believe that the shift in cerebrospinal fluid in the optic nerve sheath due to microgravity plays a key role in the development of vision issues in astronauts.

To address this issue, Lyon and his colleagues are utilizing ultrasound to image the optic nerve and its sheath in real-time. By doing so, they hope to identify astronauts who are more susceptible to SANS, particularly those who have experienced concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries in the past.

The solution to SANS may lie in a Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) device, which counteracts the effects of microgravity by creating ground reaction forces. Researchers are also developing a mobile version of the LBNP suit that could provide astronauts with a more flexible and effective solution to prevent vision loss in space.

The data collected during the Polaris Dawn mission, where four private astronauts will be sent on a highly elliptical Earth orbit, will be crucial in advancing our understanding of SANS and developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects. Collaborative efforts between institutions like the Medical College of Georgia and initiatives like Polaris Dawn highlight the importance of research and innovation in addressing health challenges faced by astronauts during spaceflight.