Ophthalmic changes associated with long-term exposure to microgravity

Abstract

The review discusses recent foreign publications on the problem of ophthalmic changes associated with long-term effects of microgravity during space flights. The states including hyperopic shift of refraction, a change in intraocular pressure, increased intracranial pressure, alterations in the choroid and retinal tissues, and optic disk swelling have been described. These effects are caused by redistribution of blood and fluid to the upper part of the body, increased intracranial pressure, and congestion of venous blood and lymph in the upper part of the body and head. Other factors that may trigger microgravity-induced vision impairment have also been considered. Photographic illustrations of changes have been provided.