Ultrasound Biomicroscopy as a Novel, Potential Modality to Evaluate Anterior Segment Ophthalmic Structures during Spaceflight: An Analysis of Current Technology
Benjamin Soares,
Joshua Ong,
Daniela Osteicoechea,
Cihan Mehmet Kadipasaoglu,
Ethan Waisberg,
Prithul Sarker,
Nasif Zaman,
Alireza Tavakkoli,
Gianmarco Vizzeri,
Andrew G. Lee
Affiliations
Benjamin Soares
Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
Joshua Ong
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Daniela Osteicoechea
Texas A&M School of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
Cihan Mehmet Kadipasaoglu
Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77094, USA
Ethan Waisberg
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB0QQ, UK
Prithul Sarker
Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
Nasif Zaman
Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
Alireza Tavakkoli
Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV 89557, USA
Gianmarco Vizzeri
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
Andrew G. Lee
Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Ocular health is currently a major concern for astronauts on current and future long-duration spaceflight missions. Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a collection of ophthalmic and neurologic findings that is one potential physiologic barrier to interplanetary spaceflight. Since its initial report in 2011, our understanding of SANS has advanced considerably, with a primary focus on posterior ocular imaging including fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. However, there may be changes to the anterior segment that have not been identified. Additional concerns to ocular health in space include corneal damage and radiation-induced cataract formation. Given these concerns, precision anterior segment imaging of the eye would be a valuable addition to future long-duration spaceflights. The purpose of this paper is to review ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and its potential as a noninvasive, efficient imaging modality for spaceflight. The analysis of UBM for spaceflight is not well defined in the literature, and such technology may help to provide further insights into the overall anatomical changes in the eye in microgravity.
