Advancements in research on space-associated neuro-ocular syndrome

During long-term on-orbit flight, astronauts are affected by many factors such as weightlessness and space radiation, and their vision is also affected.Reduced visual perception has been described among the complaints of astronauts on mission.Space-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) refers to ocular physiological, neurological, and neuroimaging findings observed in astronauts after prolonged spaceflight.NASA first described the clinical manifestations of the disease in 2011, including optic disc edema, eyeball flattening, choroidal folds, and far-sighted displacement.Although the exact pathogenesis of SANS is still under investigation, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this neuro-ocular phenomenon.Based on previous studies, this review summarizes the current hypotheses on the pathogenesis and influencing factors of SANS, the methods used to study simulated weightlessness on the ground, and the corresponding prevention and intervention measures.This burgeoning field of research is helping to protect the eye safety of astronauts and realize the possibility of future space travel.

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