Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome

{{Short description|Visual impairment}} [[File:STS-41 IOP Test.jpg|thumb|STS-41 crewmembers conduct Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) 472, Intraocular Pressure on the middeck of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. Mission Specialist (MS) William M. Shepherd rests his head on the stowed treadmill while Pilot Robert D. Cabana, holding Shepherd's eye open, prepares to measure Shepherd's intraocular pressure using a tonometer (in his right hand).]]

'''Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome''' ('''SANS'''),<ref name="pmid33117025">{{cite journal |last1=Martin Paez|first1=Yosbelkys |last2=Mudie|first2=L. I. |last3=Subramanian|first3=P. S. |title=Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS): A Systematic Review and Future Directions |journal=Eye and Brain |year=2020 |volume=12 |issue= |pages=105–117 |pmid=33117025 |doi=10.2147/EB.S234076 |pmc=7585261 |doi-access=free}}</ref> previously called '''spaceflight-induced visual impairment''',<ref name="NYT-20140127">{{cite news |last=Chang|first=Kenneth |title=Beings Not Made for Space |url=https://nytimes.com/2014/01/28/science/bodies-not-made-for-space.html |date=27 January 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=2014-01-27}}</ref> is hypothesized to be a result of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), although experiments directly measuring ICP in parabolic flight have shown ICP to be in normal physiological ranges during acute weightless exposure.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lawley |first1=Justin S. |last2=Petersen |first2=Lonnie G. |last3=Howden |first3=Erin J. |last4=Sarma |first4=Satyam |last5=Cornwell |first5=William K. |last6=Zhang |first6=Rong |last7=Whitworth |first7=Louis A. |last8=Williams |first8=Michael A. |last9=Levine |first9=Benjamin D. |date=2017-03-15 |title=Effect of gravity and microgravity on intracranial pressure: Gravity on intracranial pressure |journal=The Journal of Physiology |language=en |volume=595 |issue=6 |pages=2115–2127 |doi=10.1113/JP273557 |pmc=5350445 |pmid=28092926}}</ref> The study of visual changes and ICP in astronauts on long-duration flights is a relatively recent topic of interest to space medicine professionals. Although reported signs and symptoms have not appeared to be severe enough to cause blindness in the near term, long term consequences of chronically elevated intracranial pressure are unknown.<ref name=5-5 />

NASA has reported that fifteen long-duration male astronauts (45–55 years of age) have experienced confirmed visual and anatomical changes during or after long-duration flights.<ref name="Evidence Report">{{cite journal|last1=Otto|first1=C.|last2=Alexander|first2=DJ |last3=Gibson|first3=CR|last4=Hamilton|first4=DR |last5=Lee|first5=SMC|last6=Mader|first6=TH|last7=Oubre|first7=CM|last8=Pass|first8=AF|last9=Platts|first9=SH|last10=Scott|first10=JM|last11=Smith|first11=SM|last12=Stenger|first12=MB|last13=Westby|first13= CM|last14=Zanello|first14=SB|title=Evidence Report: Risk of spaceflight-induced intracranial hypertension and vision alterations|journal=Human Research Program: Human Health Countermeasures Element|date=12 July 2012|url=http://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov/Evidence/reports/VIIP.pdf}}</ref> Optic disc edema, globe flattening, choroidal folds, hyperopic shifts and an increased intracranial pressure have been documented in these astronauts. Some individuals experienced transient changes post-flight while others have reported persistent changes with varying degrees of severity.<ref name=17-17>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 June 2012|pages=17}}</ref>

Although the exact cause is not known, it is suspected that microgravity-induced fluid shift towards the head and comparable physiological changes play a significant role in these changes.<ref name=17-17 /> Other contributing factors may include pockets of increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) and an increase in sodium intake. It seems unlikely that resistive or aerobic exercise are contributing factors, but they may be potential countermeasures to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) or ICP in-flight.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

==Causes and current studies== Although a definitive cause (or set of causes) for the symptoms outlined in the Existing Long-Duration Flight Occurrences section is unknown, it is thought that venous congestion in the brain brought about by cephalad fluid shifts may be a unifying pathologic mechanism.<ref name="SKR-20171103">{{cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |title=Brain Changes in Space Could Be Linked to Vision Problems in Astronauts |url=https://www.seeker.com/space/brain-changes-in-space-could-be-linked-to-vision-problems-in-astronauts |date=3 November 2017 |work=Seeker |access-date=3 November 2017 }}</ref> Additionally, a recent study reports changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics and increased diffusivity around the optic nerve under simulated microgravity conditions which may contribute to ocular changes in spaceflight.<ref name="Gerlach et. al.">{{cite journal|last1=Gerlach|first1=D|last2=Marshall-Goebel|first2=K| last3=Hasan|first3=K| last4=Kramer|first4=L|last5=Alpern|first5=N|last6=Rittweger|first6=J|title=MRI-derived diffusion parameters in the human optic nerve and its surrounding sheath during head-down tilt|journal=npj Microgravity|year=2017|volume=3|pages=18|doi=10.1038/s41526-017-0023-y|pmid=28649640|pmc=5479856}}</ref> As part of the effort to elucidate the cause(s), NASA has initiated an enhanced occupational monitoring program for all mission astronauts with special attention to signs and symptoms related to ICP.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

Similar findings have been reported among Russian cosmonauts who flew long-duration missions on Mir. The findings were published by Mayasnikov and Stepanova in 2008.<ref name="Mayasnikov and Stepanova (11)">{{cite journal|last=Mayasnikov|first=VI|author2=Stepanova, SI |title=Features of cerebral hemodynamics in cosmonauts before and after flight on the MIR Orbital Station|journal=Orbital Station MIR|year=2008|volume=2|pages=300–305}}</ref>

Animal research from the Russian Bion-M1 mission indicates duress of the cerebral arteries may induce reduced blood flow, thereby contributing to impaired vision.<ref>{{cite web|last=Marwaha|first=Nikita|title=In Focus: Why Spaceflight is Becoming Blurrier over Time|url=http://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/2013/10/21/focus-spaceflight-blurrier-time/|work=Space Safety Magazine|access-date=2013-10-20|year=2013}}</ref>

On 2 November 2017, scientists reported that significant changes in the position and structure of the brain have been found in astronauts who have taken trips in space, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Astronauts who took longer space trips were associated with greater brain changes.<ref name="NEJM-20171102">{{cite journal |author=Roberts, Donna R.|display-authors=etal |title=Effects of Spaceflight on Astronaut Brain Structure as Indicated on MRI |date=2 November 2017 |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=377 |issue=18 |pages=1746–1753 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa1705129 |pmid=29091569 |s2cid=205102116 |df=dmy-all |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="QTZ-20171103">{{cite web |last=Foley |first=Katherine Ellen |title=Astronauts who take long trips to space return with brains that have floated to the top of their skulls |url=https://qz.com/1119668/space-travel-changes-astronauts-brains/ |date=3 November 2017 |work=Quartz |access-date=3 November 2017 }}</ref>

===CO₂=== Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a natural product of metabolism. People typically exhale around 200mL of CO₂ per minute at rest and over 4.0 L at peak exercise levels.<ref name="Williams (216)">{{cite web|last=Williams|first=WJ|title=Physiological responses to oxygen and carbon dioxide in the breathing environment|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/certpgmspt/meetings/09172009/pdfs/9CO202PresentWJW.pdf|work=National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Public Meeting slides|location=Pittsburgh, PA|year=2009}}</ref> In a closed environment, CO₂ levels can quickly rise and can be expected to a certain degree in an environment such as the International Space Station (ISS). Nominal CO₂ concentrations on Earth are approximately 0.23 mmHg <ref name="James (213)">{{cite journal|last=James|first=JT|title=The headache of carbon dioxide exposures|journal=Society of Automotive Engineers|year=2007|pages=071CES–42|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288308256|access-date=January 19, 2023}}</ref> while nominal CO₂ levels aboard the ISS are up to 20 times that at 2.3 to 5.3 mmHg. Those astronauts who experienced VIIP symptoms were not exposed to CO₂ levels in excess of 5 mmHg.<ref name="Bacal (214)">{{cite journal|last=Bacal|first=K|author2=Beck, G |author3=Barratt, MR |title=Hypoxia, hypercarbia and atmospheric control|journal=Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight|year=2008|editor1-first=M.R. Barratt|editor1-last=S.L. Pool|page=459}}</ref><ref name="Wong (215)">{{cite book|last=Wong|first=KL|title=Spacecraft maximum allowable concentrations for selected airborne contaminants|year=1996|publisher=National Academy Press|location=Washington D.C.|pages=105–188|editor=N.R. Council|chapter=Carbon Dioxide}}</ref>

Ventilation and heart rate increase as CO₂ rise. Hypercapnia also stimulates vasodilation of cerebral blood vessels, increased cerebral blood flow and elevated ICP presumably leading to headache, visual disturbance and other central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. CO₂ is a known potent vasodilator and an increase in cerebral perfusion pressure will increase the CSF production by about 4%.<ref name="Ainslie (217)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1152/ajpregu.91008.2008 |title=Integration of cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity and chemoreflex control of breathing: Mechanisms of regulation, measurement, and interpretation |year=2009 |last1=Ainslie |first1=P. N. |last2=Duffin |first2=J. |journal=AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology |volume=296 |issue=5 |pages=R1473–95 |pmid=19211719|s2cid=32243137 }}</ref>

Since air movement is reduced in microgravity, local pockets of increased CO₂ concentrations may form. Without proper ventilation, CO₂ concentrations ppCO₂ could rise above 9mmHg within 10 minutes around a sleeping astronaut's mouth and chin.<ref name="Son (219)">{{cite book |doi=10.4271/2002-01-2341 |year=2002 |last1=Son |first1=Chang H. |last2=Zapata |title=SAE Technical Paper Series |volume=1 |first2=Jorge L. |last3=Lin |first3=Chao-Hsin|chapter=Investigation of Airflow and Accumulation of Carbon Dioxide in the Service Module Crew Quarters }}</ref> More data is needed to fully understand the individual and environmental factors that contribute to CO₂-related symptoms in microgravity.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

===Sodium intake=== A link between increased ICP and altered sodium and water retention was suggested by a report in which 77% of IIH patients had evidence of peripheral edema and 80% with orthostatic retention of sodium and water.<ref name="Smith (222)">{{cite book |doi=10.1016/S0065-2423(08)00403-4 |pmid=19004188 |title=Chapter 3 Nutritional Biochemistry of Spaceflight |series=Advances in Clinical Chemistry |year=2008 |last1=Smith |first1=Scott M. |last2=Zwart |first2=Sara R. |isbn=9780123742094 |volume=46 |pages=87–130}}</ref> Impaired saline and water load excretions were noted in the upright position in IIH patients with orthostatic edema compared to lean and obese controls without IIH. However, the precise mechanisms linking orthostatic changes to IIH were not defined, and many IH patients do not have these sodium and water abnormalities. Astronauts are well known to have orthostatic intolerance upon reentry to gravity after long-duration spaceflight, and the dietary sodium on orbit is also known to be in excess of 5 grams per day in some cases. The majority of the NASA cases did have high dietary sodium during their increment. The ISS program is working to decrease in-flight dietary sodium intake to less than 3 grams per day.<ref name="Smith (222)" /> Prepackaged foods for the International Space Station were originally high in sodium at 5300&nbsp;mg/d. This amount has now been substantially reduced to 3000&nbsp;mg/d as a result of NASA reformulation of over ninety foods as a conscious effort to reduce astronaut sodium intake.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.3945/an.113.004101 |title=The Role of Nutritional Research in the Success of Human Space Flight |journal=Advances in Nutrition |year=2013 |last1=Lane |first1=Helen W. |last2=Bourland |first2=Charles |last3=Barrett |first3=Ann |last4=Heer |first4=Martina |last5=Smith |first5=Scott M. |volume=4 |pages=521–523 |issue=5 |pmid=24038244 |pmc=3771136}}</ref>

===Exercise=== While exercise is used to maintain muscle, bone and cardiac health during spaceflight, its effects on ICP and IOP have yet to be determined. The effects of resistive exercise on the development of ICP remains controversial. An early investigation showed that the brief intrathoracic pressure increase during a Valsalva maneuver resulted in an associated rise in ICP.<ref name="Junqueira (223)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1152/advan.00057.2007 |title=Teaching cardiac autonomic function dynamics employing the Valsalva (Valsalva-Weber) maneuver |year=2008 |last1=Junqueira |first1=L. F. |journal=Advances in Physiology Education |volume=32 |pages=100–6 |pmid=18334576 |issue=1|s2cid=1333570 }}</ref> Two other investigations using transcranial Doppler ultrasound techniques showed that resistive exercise without a Valsalva maneuver resulted in no change in peak systolic pressure or ICP.<ref name="Edwards (224)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1097/00005768-200207000-00024 |pmid=12131264 |title=Cerebral hemodynamics and resistance exercise |year=2002 |last1=Edwards |first1=Michael R. |last2=Martin |first2=Donny H. |last3=Hughson |first3=Richard L. |journal=Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise |volume=34 |issue=7 |pages=1207–1211|s2cid=7953424 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="Dickerman (225)">{{cite journal |first1=Frank |last1=Pott |first2=Johannes J. |last2=Van Lieshout |first3=Kojiro |last3=Ide |first4=Per |last4=Madsen |first5=Niels H. |last5=Secher |pmid=12626468 |doi=10.1152/japplphysiol.00457.2002 |year=2003 |title=Middle cerebral artery blood velocity during intense static exercise is dominated by a Valsalva maneuver |volume=94 |issue=4 |pages=1335–44 |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology|s2cid=26487209 }}</ref><ref name="Haykowsky (226)">{{cite journal |pmid=12544637 |year=2003 |last1=Haykowsky |first1=Mark J. |last2=Eves |first2=Neil D. |last3=r. Warburton |first3=Darren E. |last4=Findlay |first4=Max J. |title=Resistance Exercise, the Valsalva Maneuver, and Cerebrovascular Transmural Pressure |volume=35 |issue=1 |pages=65–8 |journal=Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise |doi=10.1097/00005768-200301000-00011|s2cid=28656724 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The effects of resistive exercise in IOP are less controversial. Several different studies have shown a significant increase in IOP during or immediately after resistive exercise.<ref name="Lempert (227)">{{cite journal|last=Lempert|first=P|author2=Cooper, KH |author3=Culver, JF |author4= Tredici, TJ |title=The effect of exercise on intraocular pressure|journal=American Journal of Ophthalmology|date=June 1967|volume=63|issue=6|pages=1673–6|pmid=6027342|doi=10.1016/0002-9394(67)93645-8}}</ref><ref name="Movaffaghy (228)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1006/exer.1998.0556 |title=Blood Flow in the Human Optic Nerve Head during Isometric Exercise |year=1998 |last1=Movaffaghy |first1=A. |last2=Chamot |first2=S.R. |last3=Petrig |first3=B.L. |last4=Riva |first4=C.E. |journal=Experimental Eye Research |volume=67 |issue=5 |pages=561–8 |pmid=9878218}}</ref><ref name="Vieira (229)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1001/archopht.124.9.1251 |title=Intraocular Pressure Variation During Weight Lifting |year=2006 |last1=Vieira |first1=Geraldo Magela |journal=Archives of Ophthalmology |volume=124 |issue=9 |pages=1251–4 |pmid=16966619 |last2=Oliveira |first2=Hildeamo Bonifácio |last3=De Andrade |first3=Daniel Tavares |last4=Bottaro |first4=Martim |last5=Ritch |first5=Robert|doi-access= }}</ref><ref name="Dickerman (230)">{{cite journal|last=Dickerman|first=RD|author2=Smith, GH |author3=Langham-Roof, L |author4=McConathy, WJ |author5=East, JW |author6= Smith, AB |title=Intra-ocular pressure changes during maximal isometric contraction: does this reflect intra-cranial pressure or retinal venous pressure?|journal=Neurological Research|date=April 1999|volume=21|issue=3|pages=243–6|pmid=10319330|doi=10.1080/01616412.1999.11740925}}</ref><ref name="Marcus (231)">{{cite journal|last=Marcus|first=DF|author2=Edelhauser, HF |author3=Maksud, MG |author4= Wiley, RL |title=Effects of a sustained muscular contraction on human intraocular pressure|journal=Clinical Science and Molecular Medicine|date=September 1974|volume=47|issue=3|pages=249–57|pmid=4418651|doi=10.1042/cs0470249}}</ref><ref name="Avunduk (232)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1159/000027441 |title=The Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Reductions after Isometric and Isokinetic Exercises in Normal Individuals |year=1999 |last1=Avunduk |first1=Avni Murat |last2=Yilmaz |first2=Berna |last3=Sahin |first3=Nermin |last4=Kapicioglu |first4=Zerrin |last5=Dayanir |first5=Volkan |journal=Ophthalmologica |volume=213 |issue=5 |pages=290–4 |pmid=10516516|s2cid=2118146 }}</ref><ref name="Cromiak (233)">{{cite journal|last=Chromiak|first=JA|author2=Abadie, BR |author3=Braswell, RA |author4=Koh, YS |author5= Chilek, DR |title=Resistance training exercises acutely reduce intraocular pressure in physically active men and women|journal=Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |date=November 2003|volume=17|issue=4|pages=715–20|pmid=14636115|doi=10.1519/00124278-200311000-00015}}</ref>

There is much more information available regarding aerobic exercise and ICP. The only known study to examine ICP during aerobic exercise by invasive means showed that ICP decreased in patients with intracranial hypertension and those with normal ICP.<ref name="Brimioulle (234)">{{cite journal |last1=Brimioulle |first1=Serge |last2=Moraine |first2=Jean-Jacques |last3=Norrenberg |first3=Danielle |last4=Kahn |first4=Robert J |title=Effects of Positioning and Exercise on Intracranial Pressure in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit |journal=Physical Therapy |date=December 1997 |volume=77 |issue=12 |pages=1682–9 |pmid=9413447 |doi=10.1093/ptj/77.12.1682 |doi-access=free }}</ref> They suggested that because aerobic exercise is generally done without Valsalva maneuvers, it is unlikely that ICP will increase during exercise. Other studies show global brain blood flow increases 20–30% during the transition from rest to moderate exercise.<ref name="Kashimada (235)">{{cite journal|last=Kashimada|first=A|author2=Machida, K |author3=Honda, N |author4=Mamiya, T |author5=Takahashi, T |author6=Kamano, T |author7= Osada, H |title=Measurement of cerebral blood flow with two-dimensional cine phase-contrast mR imaging: evaluation of normal subjects and patients with vertigo|journal=Radiation Medicine|date=March 1995|volume=13|issue=2|pages=95–102|pmid=7667516}}</ref><ref name="Delp (236)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1111/j.1469-7793.2001.t01-1-00849.x |title=Exercise increases blood flow to locomotor, vestibular, cardiorespiratory and visual regions of the brain in miniature swine |year=2001 |last1=Delp |first1=Michael D. |last2=Armstrong |first2=R. B. |last3=Godfrey |first3=Donald A. |last4=Laughlin |first4=M. Harold |last5=Ross |first5=C. David |last6=Wilkerson |first6=M. Keith |journal=The Journal of Physiology |volume=533 |issue=3 |pages=849–59 |pmid=11410640 |pmc=2278667}}</ref>

More recent work has shown that an increase in exercise intensity up to 60% VO₂max results in an increase in CBF, after which CBF decreases towards (and sometimes below) baseline values with increasing exercise intensity.<ref name="Jørgensen (237)">{{cite journal|last=Jørgensen|first=LG|author2=Perko, G |author3=Secher, NH |title=Regional cerebral artery mean flow velocity and blood flow during dynamic exercise in humans|journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |date=November 1992|volume=73|issue=5|pages=1825–30|pmid=1474058|doi=10.1152/jappl.1992.73.5.1825}}</ref><ref name="Jørgensen (238)">{{cite journal|last=Jørgensen|first=LG|author2=Perko, M |author3=Hanel, B |author4=Schroeder, TV |author5= Secher, NH |title=Middle cerebral artery flow velocity and blood flow during exercise and muscle ischemia in humans|journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |date=March 1992|volume=72|issue=3|pages=1123–32|pmid=1568967|doi=10.1152/jappl.1992.72.3.1123}}</ref><ref name="Hellström (239)">{{cite journal|last=Hellström|first=G|author2=Fischer-Colbrie, W |author3=Wahlgren, NG |author4= Jogestrand, T |title=Carotid artery blood flow and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity during physical exercise|journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |date=July 1996|volume=81|issue=1|pages=413–8|pmid=8828693|doi=10.1152/jappl.1996.81.1.413}}</ref><ref name="Moraine (240)">{{cite journal |doi=10.1007/BF00377701 |title=Relationship of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity to intensity during dynamic exercise in normal subjects |year=1993 |last1=Moraine |first1=J. J. |last2=Lamotte |first2=M. |last3=Berré |first3=J. |last4=Niset |first4=G. |last5=Leduc |first5=A. |last6=Naeije |first6=R. |journal=European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology |volume=67 |pages=35–8 |pmid=8375362 |issue=1|s2cid=24245272 }}</ref>

===Biomarkers=== Several biomarkers may be used for early VIIP Syndrome detection. The following biomarkers were suggested as potential candidates by the 2010 Visual Impairment Summit:<ref>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-02-11|publisher=NASA}}</ref> {{div col|colwidth=30em}} * albumin * aquaporin * atrial naturetic peptide * CRP/inflammation markers * immunoglobin G index * insulin-like growth factors * myelin basic protein * oligoclonal bands * platelet count * S-100 * somatostatin * tet-transactivator (TTA) * vasopressin {{div col end}} Also, gene expression profiling, epigenetic modifications, CO₂ retaining variants, single-nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variants should be expanded in order to better characterize the individual susceptibility to develop the VIIP syndrome. As the etiology of the symptoms is more clearly defined, the appropriate biomarkers will be evaluated.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

===One-carbon metabolism (homocysteine)=== While the common theories regarding vision issues during flight focus on cardiovascular factors (fluid shift, intracranial hypertension, CO₂ exposure, etc.), the difficulty comes in trying to explain how on any given mission, breathing the same air and exposed to the same microgravity, why some crewmembers have vision issues while others do not. Data identified as part of an ongoing nutrition experiment found biochemical evidence that the folate-dependent one-carbon metabolic pathway may be altered in those individuals who have vision issues. These data have been published<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.3945/jn.111.154245 |title=Vision Changes after Spaceflight Are Related to Alterations in Folate- and Vitamin B-12-Dependent One-Carbon Metabolism |year=2012 |last1=Zwart |first1=S. R. |last2=Gibson |first2=C. R. |last3=Mader |first3=T. H. |last4=Ericson |first4=K. |last5=Ploutz-Snyder |first5=R. |last6=Heer |first6=M. |last7=Smith |first7=S. M. |journal=Journal of Nutrition |volume=142 |issue=3 |pages=427–31 |pmid=22298570|doi-access=free }}</ref> and summarized by the ISS Program,<ref>{{cite web|last=Keith|first=L|title=New Findings on Astronaut Vision Loss|url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/vision_changes.html|work=International Space Station|publisher=NASA}}</ref> and described in a journal sponsored pubcast.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Zwart|first=S|title=Vision Changes after Spaceflight Are Related to Alterations in Folate– and Vitamin B-12–Dependent One-Carbon Metabolism|url=http://www.scivee.tv/node/38821|journal=SciVee|author2=Gibson, CR |author3=Mader, TH |author4=Ericson, K |author5=Ploutz-Snyder, R |author6=Heer, M |author7= Smith, SM |year=2012|volume=142|issue=3|pages=427–31|doi=10.3945/jn.111.154245|pmid=22298570|doi-access=free}}</ref>

In brief: serum concentrations of metabolites of the folate, vitamin B-12 dependent one carbon metabolism pathway, specifically, homocysteine, cystathionine, 2-methylcitric acid, and methylmalonic acid were all significantly (P<0.001) higher (25–45%) in astronauts with ophthalmic changes than in those without such changes. These differences existed before, during, and after flight. Serum folate tended to be lower (P=0.06) in individuals with ophthalmic changes. Preflight serum concentrations of cystathionine and 2-methylcitric acid, and mean in-flight serum folate, were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with changes in refraction (postflight relative to preflight).{{cn|date=October 2025}}

Thus, data from the Nutrition SMO 016E provide evidence for an alternative hypothesis: that individuals with alterations in this metabolic pathway may be predisposed to anatomic and/or physiologic changes that render them susceptible to ophthalmologic damage during space flight. A follow-up project has been initiated (the "One Carbon" study) to follow up and clarify these preliminary findings.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

===Space obstructive syndrome=== An anatomic cause of the microgravity related intracranial hypertension and visual disturbances has been proposed and is termed Space Obstructive Syndrome or SOS. This hypothesis has the possibility of linking the various symptoms and signs together through a common mechanism in a cascade phenomenon, and explaining the findings in one individual and not another due to specific anatomic variations in the structural placement of the internal jugular vein. This hypothesis was presented in May 2011 at the annual meeting of the Aerospace Medicine Association in Anchorage, Alaska, and was published in January, 2012.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wiener|first=TC|title=Space obstructive syndrome: intracranial hypertension, intraocular pressure, and papilledema in space|journal=Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine|date=January 2012|volume=83|issue=1|pages=64–66|pmid=22272520|doi=10.3357/ASEM.3083.2012}}</ref>

In 1G on earth, the main outflow of blood from the head is due to gravity, rather than a pumping or vacuum mechanism. In a standing position, the main outflow from the head is through the vertebral venous system because the internal jugular veins, located primarily between the carotid artery and the sternocleidomastoid muscle are partially or completely occluded due to the pressure from these structures, and in a supine position, the main outflow is through the internal jugular veins as they have fallen laterally due to the weight of the contained blood, are no longer compressed and have greatly expanded in diameter, but the smaller vertebral system has lost the gravitational force for blood outflow. In microgravity, there is no gravity to pull the internal jugular veins out from the zone of compression (Wiener classification Zone I), and there is also no gravitational force to pull blood through the vertebral venous system. In microgravity, the cranial venous system has been put into minimal outflow and maximal obstruction. This then causes a cascade of cranial venous hypertension, which decreases CSF resorption from the arachnoid granulations, leading to intracranial hypertension and papilledema. The venous hypertension also contributes to the head swelling seen in photos of astronauts and the nasal and sinus congestion along with headache noted by many. There is also subsequent venous hypertension in the venous system of the eye which may contribute to the findings noted on ophthalmic exam and contributing to the visual disturbances noted.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

The astronauts affected by long term visual changes and prolonged intracranial hypertension have all been male, and SOS may explain this because in men, the sternocleidomastoid muscle is typically thicker than in women and may contribute to more compression. The reason that SOS does not occur in all individuals may be related to anatomic variations in the internal jugular vein. Ultrasound study has shown that in some individuals, the internal jugular vein is located in a more lateral position to Zone I compression, and therefore not as much compression will occur, allowing continued blood flow.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

==Current ICP and IOP measurement==

===ICP measurement=== Intracranial pressure (ICP) needs to be directly measured before and after long duration flights to determine if microgravity causes the increased ICP. On the ground, lumbar puncture is the standard method of measuring cerebral spinal fluid pressure and ICP,<ref name=17-17 /><ref name=2-2>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 June 2012|pages=2}}</ref> but this carries additional risk in-flight.<ref name=5-5 /> NASA is determining how to correlate ground-based MRI with inflight ultrasound<ref name=5-5>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 June 2012|pages=5}}</ref> and other methods of measuring ICP in space is currently being investigated.<ref name=2-2 />

To date, NASA has measured intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and A-scan axial length changes in the eye before and after spaceflight.<ref name=3-3>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 June 2012|pages=3}}</ref>

====Non-invasive ICP measurement====

There are different approaches to non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement, which include ultrasound "time-of-flight" techniques, transcranial Doppler, methods based on acoustic properties of the cranial bones, EEG, MRI, tympanic membrane displacement, oto-acoustic emission, ophthalmodynamometry, ultrasound measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter, and Two-Depth Transorbital Doppler. Most of the approaches are "correlation based". Such approaches can not measure an absolute ICP value in mmHg or other pressure units because of the need for individual patient specific calibration. Calibration needs non-invasive "gold standard" ICP meter which does not exists. Non-invasive absolute intracranial pressure value meter, based on ultrasonic Two-Depth Transorbital Doppler technology, has been shown to be accurate and precise in clinical settings and prospective clinical studies. Analysis of the 171 simultaneous paired recordings of non-invasive ICP and the "gold standard" invasive CSF pressure on 110 neurological patients and TBI patients showed good accuracy for the non-invasive method as indicated by the low mean systematic error (0.12 mmHg; confidence level (CL) = 0.98). The method also showed high precision as indicated by the low standard deviation (SD) of the random errors (SD = 2.19 mmHg; CL = 0.98).<ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Ragauskas |first1=A|last2=Matijosaitis |first2=V|last3=Zakelis |first3=R|last4=Petrikonis|first4= K|last5= Rastenyte |first5=D|last6=Piper |first6=I|last7=Daubaris |first7=G |date=May 2012 | title = Clinical assessment of noninvasive intracranial pressure absolute value measurement method | journal = Neurology | volume = 78 | issue = 21| pages = 1684–91 | doi = 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182574f50 | pmid = 22573638 |s2cid=45033245 }}</ref> This measurement method and technique (the only non-invasive ICP measurement technique which already received EU CE Mark approval) eliminates the main limiting problem of all other non-successful "correlation based" approaches to non-invasive ICP absolute value measurement – the need of calibration to the individual patient.<ref>{{cite report|title=Non-invasive absolute intracranial pressure value meter shown to be accurate in clinical settings|publisher=News-Medical.net |url=https://www.news-medical.net/news/20120705/Non-invasive-absolute-intracranial-pressure-value-meter-shown-to-be-accurate-in-clinical-settings.aspx|date=July 5, 2012|access-date=January 19, 2023}}</ref>

===IOP measurement=== Intraocular pressure (IOP) is determined by the production, circulation and drainage of ocular aqueous humor and is described by the equation:<br> ::<math>IOP =\frac {F}{C} +PV</math>

Where:<br> ::F = aqueous fluid formation rate ::C = aqueous outflow rate ::PV = episcleral venous pressure

In general populations IOP ranges between and 20 mmHg with an average of 15.5 mmHg, aqueous flow averages 2.9 μL/min in young healthy adults and 2.2 μL/min in octogenarians, and episcleral venous pressure ranges from 7 to 14 mmHg with 9 to 10 mmHg being typical.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

==Existing long-duration flight occurrences== The first U.S. case of visual changes observed on orbit was reported by a long-duration astronaut that noticed a marked decrease in near-visual acuity throughout his mission on board the ISS, but at no time reported headaches, transient visual obscurations, pulsatile tinnitus or diplopia (double vision). His postflight fundus examination (Figure 1) revealed choroidal folds below the optic disc and a single cotton-wool spot in the inferior arcade of the right eye. The acquired choroidal folds gradually improved, but were still present 3 year postflight. The left eye examination was normal. There was no documented evidence of optic-disc edema in either eye. Brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and OCT were not performed preflight or postflight on this astronaut.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

thumb|'''Figure 1:'''Fundus examination of the first case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. Fundus examination revealed choroidal folds inferior to the optic disc and a single cotton-wool spot in the inferior arcade of the right eye (white arrow).

The second case of visual changes during long-duration spaceflight on board the ISS was reported approximately 3 months after launch when the astronaut noticed that he could now only see Earth clearly while looking through his reading glasses. The change continued for the remainder of the mission without noticeable improvement or progression. He did not complain of transient visual obscurations, headaches, diplopia, pulsatile tinnitus or visual changes during eye movement. In the months since landing, he has noticed a gradual, but incomplete, improvement in vision.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

thumb|'''Figure 2:''' Fundus examination of second case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. Fundoscopic images showing choroidal folds (white arrows) in the papillomacular bundle area in the right eye and left eye and a cotton-wool spot (bottom arrow) at the inferior arcade in the left eye. Both optic discs show grade 1 disc edema.

The third case of visual changes while on board the ISS had no changes in visual acuity and no complaints of headaches, transient visual obscurations, diplopia or pulsatile tinnitus during the mission. Upon return to Earth, no eye issues were reported by the astronaut at landing. Fundus examination revealed bilateral, asymmetrical disc edema. There was no evidence of choroidal folds or cotton-wool spots, but a small hemorrhage was observed below the optic dics in the right eye. This astronaut had the most pronounced optic-disc edema of all astronauts reported to date, but had no choroidal folds, globe flattening or [http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/hyperopic-shift hyperopic shift]. At 10 days post landing, an MRI of the brain and eyes was normal, but there appeared to be a mild increase in CSF signal around the right optic nerve.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

The fourth case of visual changes on orbit was significant for a history of transsphenoidal hypophysectomy for macroadenoma where postoperative imaging showed no residual or recurrent disease. Approximately 2 months into the ISS mission, the astronaut noticed a progressive decrease in near-visual acuity in his right eye and a scotoma in his right temporal field of vision.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

thumb|'''Figure 5:''' On-orbit ultrasound of posterior orbit of the fourth case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. In-flight ultrasound image of the right eye showing posterior globe flattening and a raised optic disc consistent with optic-disc edema and raised ICP.

thumb|'''Figure 6:''' On-orbit ultrasound of optic nerves of the fourth case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. In-flight ultrasound shows proximal kinking and increased optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) of approximately 12 mm that is consistent with raised ICPs. Optic nerve shown in purple and the ONSD in green.

thumb|'''Figure 10:''' MRI (R+30 days) of the fourth case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. There is prominence of central T2-hyperintensity of the optic nerves bilaterally, right greater than left approximately 10 to 12 mm posterior to the globe (arrow) that represents an element of optic nerve congestion.

thumb|'''Figure 11:''' MRI (R+30 days) of the fourth case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. Tortuous optic nerve and kink on left (arrow). Control orbit on the right.

During the same mission, another ISS long-duration astronaut reported the fifth case of decreased near-visual acuity after 3 weeks of spaceflight. In both cases, CO₂, cabin pressure and oxygen levels were reported to be within acceptable limits and the astronauts were not exposed to any toxic fumes.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

The fifth case of visual changes observed on the ISS was noticed only 3 weeks into his mission. This change continued for the remainder of the mission without noticeable improvement or progression. He never complained of headaches, transient visual obscurations, diplopia, pulsatile tinnitus or other visual changes. Upon return to Earth, he noted persistence of the vision changes he observed in space. He never experienced losses in subjective best-corrected acuity, color vision or stereopsis. This case is interesting because the astronaut did not have disc edema or choroidal folds, but was documented to have nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickening, globe flattening, a hyperopic shift and subjective complaints of loss of near vision.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

The sixth case of visual changes of an ISS astronaut was reported after return to Earth from a 6-month mission. When he noticed that his far vision was clearer through his reading glasses. A fundus examination performed 3 weeks postflight documented a grade 1 nasal optic-disc edema in the right eye only. There was no evidence of disc edema in the left eye or choroidal folds in either eye (Figure 13). MRI of the brain and eyes days postflight revealed bilateral flattening of the posterior globe, right greater than left, and a mildly distended right optic nerve sheath. There was also evidence of optic-disc edema in the right eye. A fundus examination postflight revealed a "new onset" cotton-wool spot in the left eye. This was not observed in the fundus photographs taken 3 weeks postflight.<ref name="Evidence Report" />

thumb|'''Figure 13:''' Fundus examination of the sixth case of visual changes from long-duration spaceflight. Preflight images of normal optic disc. Postflight right and left optic disc showing grade 1 (superior and nasal) edema at the right optic disc.

The seventh case of visual changes associated with spaceflight is significant in that it was eventually treated postflight. Approximately 2 months into the ISS mission, the astronaut reported a progressive decrease in his near and far acuity in both eyes. The ISS cabin pressure, CO₂ and O₂ levels were reported to be within normal operating limits and the astronaut was not exposed to any toxic substances. He never experienced losses in subjective best-corrected acuity, color vision or stereopsis. A fundus examination revealed a grade 1 bilateral optic-disc edema and choroidal folds (Figure 15).<ref name="Evidence Report" />

thumb|'''Figure 15:''' Preflight images of the right and left optic discs (upper). Postflight images of the ONH showing in more detail the extent of the edematous optic-disc margins and glutting of the superior and inferior nerve fiber layer axons OD and OS (arrows) (lower).

==Case definition and clinical practice guidelines== According to guidelines set forth by the Space Medicine Division, all long-duration astronauts with postflight vision changes should be considered a suspected case of VIIP syndrome. Each case could then be further differentiated by definitive imaging studies establishing the postflight presence of optic-disc edema, increased ONSD and altered OCT findings. The results from these imaging studies are then divided into five classes that determine what follow-up testing and monitoring is required.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

===Classes=== The definition of the classes and Frisén scale used for optic disc edema diagnosis are listed below:

'''Class 0''' * < 0.50 diopter cycloplegic refractive change * No evidence of optic-disc edema, nerve sheath distention, choroidal folds, globe flattening, scotoma or cotton-wool spots compared to baseline

'''Class 1'''<br> Repeat OCT and visual acuity in 6 weeks * Refractive changes ≥ 0.50 diopter cycloplegic refractive change and/or cotton-wool spot * No evidence of optic-disc edema, nerve sheath distention, choroidal folds, globe flattening or scotoma compared to baseline * CSF opening pressure ≤ 25&nbsp;cm H₂O (if measured)

'''Class 2'''<br> Repeat OCT, cycloplegic refraction, fundus examination and threshold visual field every 4 to 6 weeks × 6 months, repeat MRI in 6 months * ≥ 0.50 diopter cycloplegic refractive changes or cotton-wool spot * Choroidal folds and/or ONS distention and/or globe flattening and/or scotoma * No evidence of optic-disc edema * CSF opening pressure ≤ 25&nbsp;cm H₂O (if measured)

'''Class 3'''<br> Repeat OCT, cycloplegic refraction, fundus examination and threshold visual field every 4 to 6 weeks × 6 months, repeat MRI in 6 months * ≥ 0.50 diopter cycloplegic refractive changes and/or cotton-wool spot * Optic nerve sheath distention, and/or globe flattening and/or choroidal folds and/or scotoma * Optic-disc edema of Grade 0-2 * CSF opening pressure ≤ 25&nbsp;cm H₂O

'''Class 4'''<br> Institute treatment protocol as per Clinical Practice Guideline * ≥ 0.50 diopter cycloplegic refractive changes and/or cotton-wool spot * Optic nerve sheath distention, and/or globe flattening and/or choroidal folds and/or scotoma * Optic-disc edema Grade 2 or above * Presenting symptoms of new headache, pulsatile tinnitus and/or transient visual obscurations * CSF opening pressure > 25&nbsp;cm H₂O

===Stages=== Optic-disc edema will be graded based on the Frisén Scale<ref name="Frisén (247)">{{cite journal|last=Frisén|first=L|title=Swelling of the optic nerve head: a staging scheme|journal=Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry|date=January 1982|volume=45|issue=1|pages=13–8|pmid=7062066|pmc=491259|doi=10.1136/jnnp.45.1.13}}</ref> as below:

'''Stage 0 – Normal Optic-disc'''<br> Blurring of nasal, superior and inferior poles in inverse proportion to disc diameter. Radial nerve fiber layer (NFL) without NFL tortuosity. Rare obscuration of a major blood vessel, usually on the upper pole.

'''Stage 1 – Very early optic-disc edema'''<br> Obscuration of the nasal border of the disc. No elevation of the disc borders. Disruption of the normal radial NFL arrangement with grayish opacity accentuating nerve fiber layer bundles. Normal temporal disc margin. Subtle grayish halo with temporal gap (best seen with indirect ophthalmoscopy). Concentric or radial retrochoroidal folds.

'''Stage 2 – Early optic-disc edema'''<br> Obscuration of all borders. Elevation of the nasal border. Complete peripapillary halo.

'''Stage 3 – Moderate optic-disc edema'''<br> Obscurations of all borders. Increased diameter of ONH. Obscuration of one or more segments of major blood vessels leaving the disc. Peripapillary halo – irregular outer fringe with finger-like extensions.

'''Stage 4 – Marked optic-disc edema'''<br> Elevation of the entire nerve head. Obscuration of all borders. Peripapillary halo. Total obscuration on the disc of a segment of a major vessel.

'''Stage 5 – Severe optic-disc edema'''<br> Dome-shaped protrusions representing anterior expansion of the ONG. Peripapillary halo is narrow and smoothly demarcated. Total obscuration of a segment of a major blood vessel may or may not be present. Obliteration of the optic cup.

==Risk factors and recommendations== Risk factors and underlying mechanisms based on anatomy, physiology, genetics and epigenetics need to be researched further.<ref name=6-6>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 June 2012|pages=6}}</ref>

The following actions have been recommended to assist in the research of vision impairment and increased intracranial pressure associated with long-duration space flight:<ref name=9-10>{{cite web|title=The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report|url=http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073519/http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2011-216160.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 February 2015|publisher=NASA|access-date=13 June 2012|pages=9–10}}</ref>

===Immediate actions=== * Correlate pre-flight and post-flight MRIs with in-flight Ultrasound * Directly measure intracranial pressure through lumbar puncture pre-flight and post-flight on all long duration astronauts * Due to the normal variability in this measurement, obtain more than one pre-flight intracranial pressure measurement through lumbar puncture * Enhanced analysis of OCT findings such as RPE angle * Blinded readings of previous and future diagnostic imaging to minimize potential bias * Measurement of in-flight IOP on all astronauts * Improved in-flight fundoscopic imaging capability * Measurement of pre-flight and post-flight compliance (cranial, spinal, vascular)

===Near and long-term actions=== * Establish case definition based on current [https://web.archive.org/web/20080919230111/http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/lsda_data/mrid_docs/mrid_book.pdf Medical Requirements Integration Documents (MRID)] and clinical findings * Develop clinical practice guidelines * Establish a reliable and accurate non-invasive in-flight capability to measure and monitor ICP, compliance and cerebral blood flow * Develop more sophisticated in-flight neurocognitive testing * Establish risk stratification and underlying mechanisms based on anatomy and physiology * Characterization of Human Spaceflight Physiology and Anatomy (human and animal tissue studies) * Develop or utilize advance imaging modalities (Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Transcranial Doppler (TCD), Ophthalmodynanometry, Venous Doppler Ultrasound) * Genetic testing and the use of biomarkers in blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)

== On-orbit human testing == The privately funded Polaris Dawn space capsule free flight in August–September 2024 is planned to test a novel contact-lens-type interocular-pressure measuring device that will be worn by all four of the astronauts on the planned 5-day mission—"trying to better understand a recently-detected but major concern of space habitation, spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome."<ref name=ars20240826>{{cite news |last=Berger|first=Eric |title=One of the most adventurous human spaceflights since Apollo may launch tonight |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/08/when-it-comes-to-expanding-human-activity-in-space-polaris-dawn-is-the-real-deal/ |work=Ars Technica |date=26 August 2024 |access-date=26 August 2024 }}</ref>

==Benefits to Earth== The development of accurate and reliable non-invasive ICP measurement methods for VIIP has the potential to benefit many patients on earth who need screening and/or diagnostic ICP measurements, including those with hydrocephalus, intracranial hypertension, intracranial hypotension, and patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunts. Current ICP measurement techniques are invasive and require either a lumbar puncture, insertion of a temporary spinal catheter,<ref>{{cite journal|last=Torbey|first=MT|author2=Geocadin RG |author3=Razumovsky AY |author4=Rigamonti D |author5=Williams MA |title=Utility of CSF pressure monitoring to identify idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema in patients with chronic daily headache|journal=Cephalalgia|year=2004|volume=24|issue=6|pages=495–502|pmid=15154860|doi=10.1111/j.1468-2982.2004.00688.x|s2cid=25829389}}</ref> insertion of a cranial ICP monitor, or insertion of a needle into a shunt reservoir.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Geocadin|first=RG|author2=Varelas PN |author3=Rigamonti D |author4=Williams MA |title=Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring via the shunt reservoir to assess suspected shunt malfunction in adults with hydrocephalus|journal=Neurosurg Focus|date=April 2007|volume=22|issue=4|pages=E10|pmid=17613188|doi=10.3171/foc.2007.22.4.12|doi-access=free}}</ref>

==See also== * Effect of spaceflight on the human body * [http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/9545 Intracranial Pressure and its Effect on Vision in Space and on Earth] * Papilledema

== References == === Citations === {{Reflist}}

=== Sources === {{refbegin}} * {{NASA |article = The Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Summit Report |url = https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/581115main_2011%20VIIP%20Summit%20Report_Final%20June.pdf }} * {{NASA |article = Evidence Report: Risk of Spaceflight-Induced Intracranial Hypertension and Vision Alterations |url = http://humanresearchroadmap.nasa.gov/Evidence/reports/VIIP.pdf }} {{refend}}

==Further reading== * [http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/9545 Brandon R Macias, John HK Liu, Christian Otto, Alan R Hargens (2017). "Intracranial Pressure & its Effect on Vision in Space and on Earth".] * {{cite journal |vauthors=Mader TH, Gibson CR, Pass AF |title=Optic disc edema, globe flattening, choroidal folds, and hyperopic shifts observed in astronauts after long-duration space flight |journal=Ophthalmology |volume=118 |issue=10 |pages=2058–69 |date=October 2011 |pmid=21849212 |doi=10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.06.021 |s2cid=13965518 |display-authors=etal |url=http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1068&context=nasapub |url-access=subscription }} * {{cite journal|title=What's New in Space Medicine – Can you say "VIIP"?|journal=The Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health|date=Spring 2012|volume=18|issue=1|url=http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/refs/LSAH/LSAHNewsletter2012vol18_1page.pdf}} * {{cite journal |last1=Geeraerts |first1=T |last2=Merceron |first2=S|last3=Benhamou |first3=D|last4=Vigué |first4=B|last5=Duranteau |first5=J |title=Non-invasive assessment of intracranial pressure using ocular sonography in neurocritical care patients |journal=Intensive Care Med |volume=34 |issue=11 |pages=2062–7 |date=November 2008 |pmid=18509619 |pmc=4088488 |doi=10.1007/s00134-008-1149-x }} * {{cite web|last=Dallas|first=Mary Elizabeth|title=Space Travel Might Lead to Eye Trouble: Study|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/health/news/HealthDay658614_20111108_Space_Travel_Might_Lead_to_Eye_Trouble__Study.html|publisher=philly.com|access-date=15 June 2012}} * {{cite web|title=Space missions may damage eyes|url=http://www.health.am/ab/more/space-missions-may-damage-eyes/|publisher=American Medical Network|access-date=15 June 2012}} * {{cite web|title=Eye Problems Common in Astronauts|work=Discovery News |url=http://news.discovery.com/space/eye-problems-astronauts-120313.html|publisher=Discovery.com|access-date=15 June 2012|date=March 2012}} * {{cite web|title=Space flight linked to eye, brain problems|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/space-flight-linked-to-eye-brain-problems-1.1175735|publisher=CBC News|date=March 2012}} * {{cite web|last=Matthews|first=Mark K.|title=Blurred vision plagues astronauts who spend months in space|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2011/09/19/blurred-vision-plagues-astronauts-who-spend-months-in-space/|publisher=Orlando Sentinel|date=September 2011}} * {{cite news |author= Love, Shayla |date= 9 July 2016 |title= The mysterious syndrome impairing astronauts' sight |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-mysterious-syndrome-impairing-astronauts-eyesight/2016/07/09/f20fb9a6-41f1-11e6-88d0-6adee48be8bc_story.html}} * {{cite journal|last1=Kinyoun|first1=JL|last2=Chittum|first2=ME|last3=Wells|first3=CG|title=Photocoagulation treatment of radiation retinopathy.|journal=American Journal of Ophthalmology|date=15 May 1988|volume=105|issue=5|pages=470–8|pmid=3369516|doi=10.1016/0002-9394(88)90237-1}} * {{cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=LF|last2=Hargens|first2=AR|title=Intraocular/Intracranial pressure mismatch hypothesis for visual impairment syndrome in space.|journal=Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine|date=January 2014|volume=85|issue=1|pages=78–80|pmid=24479265|doi=10.3357/asem.3789.2014}}

{{Space medicine}}

Category:Visual disturbances and blindness Category:Space medicine