Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and its countermeasures.

TitleSpaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and its countermeasures.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2025
AuthorsNguyen T, Ong J, Brunstetter T, C Gibson R, Macias BR, Laurie S, Mader T, Hargens A, Buckey JC, Lan M, Wostyn P, Kadipasaoglu C, Smith SM, Zwart SR, Frankfort BJ, Aman S, Scott JM, Waisberg E, Masalkhi M, Lee AG
JournalProg Retin Eye Res
Volume106
Pagination101340
Date Published2025 May
ISSN1873-1635
KeywordsAstronauts, Eye Diseases, Humans, Papilledema, Space Flight, Syndrome, Weightlessness
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 warrants a multidisciplinary approach. This review examines the potential causes and countermeasures of SANS, including space anticipation glasses, lower body negative pressure, venoconstrictive 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.

DOI10.1016/j.preteyeres.2025.101340
Alternate JournalProg Retin Eye Res
PubMed ID39971096
PubMed Central IDPMC12103276
Grant ListP30 CA008748 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
T32 GM152349 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States

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