Effects of Microgravity on Ocular Vascular Hydrodynamics
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abstract
Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is reported to affect ~40% of astronauts completing long-duration spaceflights (as of May 2017) and has been characterized as the development of one or more findings: optic disc edema, hyperopic shifts, globe flattening, cotton-wool spots, or choroidal folds. The leading hypothesis for the development of ocular changes is that prolonged exposure to the headward fluid shift that occurs in weightlessness is the primary instigating factor, and additional factors such as genetic disposition, ambient CO2 on the International Space Station, or on-orbit exercise countermeasures may augment or diminish the development of ocular symptoms. However, the pathophysiology of SANS remains unclear. Evidence for the contribution of intracranial pressure alone in SANS is controversial. Therefore, studies of ocular vascular hydrodynamics are required to clarify if chronic mild elevations of ocular pressure variables compromise ocular structure and function. Since all blood and lymph vessels are compliant, fluid-filled structures whose pressures are strongly influenced by gravity, we propose to focus our studies on the potential changes directly to the ocular vasculature caused by microgravity. Perfusion of the optic nerve and inner retina for sufficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients is dependent on retinal blood flow. The pressure gradient for driving blood flow through the inner retina begins with the arterial pressure in the feed artery, which is the central retinal artery in humans. Changes in retinal blood flow or pressure may contribute to the formation of cotton wool spots and optic disc edema. Optic disc edema, choroidal folds, and optic nerve thickening may also result from ocular venous congestion and/or elevated venous compliance, disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, and/or reduction in ocular lymph flow. There has been no systematic analysis of the ocular vascular changes in microgravity..........
