Shah Jainam, Ong Joshua, Lee Ryung, Suh Alex, Waisberg Ethan, Gibson C Robert, Berdahl John, Mader Thomas H
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
Life (Basel). 2025 Apr 4;15(4):602. doi: 10.3390/life15040602.
Human space exploration presents an unparalleled opportunity to study life in extreme environments-but it also exposes astronauts to physiological stressors that jeopardize key systems like vision. Corneal health, essential for maintaining precise visual acuity, is threatened by microgravity-induced fluid shifts, cosmic radiation, and the confined nature of spacecraft living environments. These conditions elevate the risk of corneal abrasions, infections, and structural damage. In addition, Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)-while primarily affecting the posterior segment-has also been potentially linked to anterior segment alterations such as corneal edema and tear film instability. This review examines these ocular challenges and assesses current mitigation strategies. Traditional approaches, such as terrestrial eye banking and corneal transplantation, are impractical for spaceflight due to the limited viability of preserved tissues, surgical complexities, anesthetic risks, infection potential, and logistical constraints. The paper explores emerging technologies like 3D bioprinting and stem cell-based tissue engineering, which offer promising solutions by enabling the on-demand production of personalized corneal constructs. Complementary advancements, including adaptive protective eyewear, bioengineered tear substitutes, telemedicine, and AI-driven diagnostic tools, also show potential in autonomously managing ocular health during long-duration missions. By addressing the complex interplay of environmental stressors and biological vulnerabilities, these innovations not only safeguard astronaut vision and mission performance but also catalyze new pathways for regenerative medicine on Earth. The evolution of space-based ophthalmic care underscores the dual impact of space medicine investments across planetary exploration and terrestrial health systems.
人类太空探索为研究极端环境中的生命提供了无与伦比的机会——但它也使宇航员面临生理压力源，这些压力源会危及视觉等关键系统。维持精确视力所必需的角膜健康受到微重力引起的体液转移、宇宙辐射以及航天器居住环境的封闭性质的威胁。这些情况增加了角膜擦伤、感染和结构损伤的风险。此外，太空飞行相关神经眼科综合征（SANS）——虽然主要影响眼后段——也可能与前段改变有关，如角膜水肿和泪膜不稳定。本综述探讨了这些眼部挑战并评估了当前的缓解策略。传统方法，如地面眼库和角膜移植，由于保存组织的有限活力、手术复杂性、麻醉风险、感染可能性和后勤限制，在太空飞行中不切实际。本文探讨了3D生物打印和基于干细胞的组织工程等新兴技术，这些技术通过按需生产个性化角膜构建体提供了有前景的解决方案。包括自适应防护眼镜、生物工程泪液替代品、远程医疗和人工智能驱动的诊断工具在内的补充进展，在长期任务中自主管理眼部健康方面也显示出潜力。通过应对环境压力源和生物脆弱性之间的复杂相互作用，这些创新不仅保障了宇航员的视力和任务表现，还催化了地球上再生医学的新途径。天基眼科护理的发展凸显了太空医学投资对行星探索和地面卫生系统的双重影响。
