Optic disc edema and chorioretinal folds develop during strict 6° head-down tilt bed rest with or without artificial gravity.

Abstract in brief

• The study shows that strict 6-degree head-down tilt bed rest (HDTBR), which simulates weightlessness, causes eye changes such as optic disc edema and chorioretinal folds, similar to those seen in spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS).
• Artificial gravity interventions, whether continuous or intermittent, did not fully prevent these ocular changes, although some reduction in retinal thickness was observed.
• These findings suggest that the fluid shifts caused by prolonged weightlessness contribute to ocular issues, but longer or more intense fluid shift interventions might be needed to effectively prevent or reduce SANS in spaceflight conditions.]