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From international ophthalmology to space ophthalmology: the threats to vision on the way to Moon and Mars colonization

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Abstract

Purpose

To report the ophthalmological risks of space travel.

Methods

The literature about the effect of microgravity and cosmic radiation on the human eye has been reviewed, focusing on the so-called “spaceflight related neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS)”, and possible remedies.

Results

The eye is the major candidate to suffer from the adverse space conditions, so much so that SANS is the main concern of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). SANS, that affects astronauts engaged in long-duration spaceflights, is characterized by optic nerve head swelling, flattening of the posterior region of the scleral shell, choroidal folds, retinal cotton wool spots, and hyperopic shift. Even if it seems related to an increased volume of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and the optic nerve sheaths, its pathogenesis is still unclear. In addition, cataract is related to the effect of galactic cosmic rays on the lens. Centrifuges, pressurizing chambers, and mechanical counter-pressure suits have been advanced to counteract the upward fluid shift responsible for the SANS syndrome. Shields with a high content of hydrogen, magnetic shielding systems, and wearable radiation shielding devices are under study to mitigate the exposure to galactic cosmic rays.

Conclusions

Since 1961, the year of the first manned mission outside the Earth, history has shown that the human being may venture in space. Yet, visual impairment is the top health risk for long-duration spaceflight. Effective remediation is mandatory in anticipation of long space missions and Moon and Mars colonization.

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Notes

  1. Microgravity is defined as 1 × 10−6 ge, that is, 1 μg.

  2. The best way to simulate a condition of microgravity on Earth is the "head-down tilt" (HDT), i.e., bed rest at a negative tilt angle of − 6° [28, 29]. However, it is worth recalling that although HDT is considered effective in recreating the microgravity-induced cephalad fluid shift, there are physiological differences with the real microgravity condition: sympathetic activity, in particular, decreases during HDT and increases in real microgravity, as indicated by platelet epinephrine and norepinephrine dosage [30].

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  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Service of Orthoptics, University of Turin, Molinette Hospital, Via Cherasco 23, 10126, Turin, Italy

    Carlo Aleci

  2. Service of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Hospital, Via Juvarra 19, 10100, Turin, Italy

    Carlo Aleci

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Aleci, C. From international ophthalmology to space ophthalmology: the threats to vision on the way to Moon and Mars colonization. Int Ophthalmol 40, 775–786 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-019-01212-7

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