Persistent Globe Flattening in Astronauts following Long-Duration Spaceflight. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mader, Thomas H.; Gibson, C. Robert; Barratt, Michael R.; Miller, Neil R.; Subramanian, Prem S.; Killer, Hanspeter E.; Tarver, William J.; Sargsyan, Ashot E.; Garcia, Kathleen; Hart, Stephen F.; Kramer, Larry A.; Riascos, Roy; Brunstetter, Tyson J.; Lipsky, William; Wostyn, Peter; Lee, Andrew G.
• Is Part Of: Neuro-ophthalmology. Volume 45:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: SANS -- astronaut -- international space station (ISS) -- visual changes -- hyperopic shift -- long-duration space flight (LDSF); Neuroophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1080/01658107.2020.1791189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-8107

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Posterior globe flattening has been well-documented in astronauts both during and after long-duration space flight (LDSF) and has been observed as early as 10 days into a mission on the International Space Station. Globe flattening (GF) is thought to be caused by the disc centred anterior forces created by elevated volume and/or pressure within the optic nerve sheath (ONS). This might be the result of increased intracranial pressure, increased intraorbital ONS pressure from compartmentalisation or a combination of these mechanisms. We report posterior GF in three astronauts that has persisted for 7 years or more following their return from LDSFs suggesting that permanent scleral remodelling may have occurred.