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Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome , previously known as Spaceflight-induced visual impairment, is hypothesized to be a result of increased intracranial pressure. The study of visual changes and intracranial pressure 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 is unknown.
NASA has reported that fifteen long-duration male astronauts have experienced confirmed visual and anatomical changes during or after long-duration flights. 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.
Although the exact cause is not known, it is suspected that microgravity-induced cephalad fluid shift and comparable physiological changes play a significant role in these changes. Other contributing factors may include pockets of increased 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 or intracranial pressure in-flight.