Head-mounted digital metamorphopsia suppression as a countermeasure for macular-related visual distortions for prolonged spaceflight missions and terrestrial health

Abstract

During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts are exposed to various risks including spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, which serves as a risk to astronaut vision and a potential physiological barrier to future spaceflight. When considering exploration missions that may expose astronauts to longer periods of microgravity, radiation exposure, and natural aging processes during spaceflight, more severe changes to functional vision may occur. The macula plays a critical role in central vision and disruptions to this key area in the eye may compromise functional vision and mission performance. In this article, we describe the development of a countermeasure technique to digitally suppress monocular central visual distortion with head-mounted display technology. We report early validation studies with this noninvasive countermeasure in individuals with simulated metamorphopsia. When worn by these individuals, this emerging wearable countermeasure technology has demonstrated a suppression of monocular visual distortion. We describe the considerations and further directions of this head-mounted technology for both astronauts and aging individuals on Earth.

Dynamic Visual Acuity, Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, and Visual Field in National Football League (NFL) Officiating: Physiology and Visualization Engineering for 3D Virtual On-Field Training

“…The emergence of virtual reality technology has revolutionized many fields, including sports and medicine [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Research in virtual reality has found that decision making in sub-elite soccer officials between on-field and virtual reality were indistinguishable, suggesting virtual reality offers a representative training environment [ 28 ].…”

Artificial Intelligence Frameworks to Detect and Investigate the Pathophysiology of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)

“…This can be achieved through longitudinal studies that follow astronauts before, during, and after their space missions to monitor any changes in their visual and neural health. Furthermore, the development of wearable technologies that can continuously monitor astronaut health during spaceflight can provide real-time data on any changes in visual and neural health, including the onset of SANS [ 49 , 50 , 51 ].…”

“…Current AI research for SANS is focused on building architectures for the detection of SANS and further understanding the pathophysiology of this neuro-ophthalmic phenomenon for orbital and planetary travel [ 37 ]. Research is also focused on merging extended reality technology for SANS and other ophthalmic conditions during spaceflight, which can be merged with AI techniques [ 50 , 109 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 ]. Additionally, as these AI models are built for austere environments, these emerging and revolutionary techniques can also be applied to areas on Earth with limited medical capabilities and resources [ 37 ].…”

Mitochondrial dysfunction in Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS): a molecular hypothesis in pathogenesis

“…These countermeasures may include lifestyle and pharmacological interventions and modifications aimed at preserving mitochondrial health. Emerging countermeasures for SANS include the use of swimming goggles to provide a moderate increase in intraocular pressure to mitigate SANS [ 22 ], and the use of augmented reality to restore any potential losses in visual function [ 23 , 24 ]. Near-infrared light therapy may also be a useful side effect free, and non-invasive method to improve mitochondrial function during spaceflight.…”