Pediatric Lunar SANS-related Choroidal Folds
Earth designation: Pediatric Lunar Choroidal Folds
Pediatric Lunar presentation of Choroidal Folds in lunar residents. Folds in the choroidal layer of the retina, associated with intracranial hypertension and cephalad fluid shift in low gravity. Part of the Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), these changes indicate elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure and can impair visual acuity.
Lunar Risk Factors
Extended lunar residence. Cephalad fluid shift. Elevated intracranial pressure. Individual anatomical susceptibility.
Symptoms
Blurred vision, metamorphopsia (distorted vision), reduced visual acuity.
Diagnosis
Fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), B-scan ultrasonography.
Treatment
Treat underlying ICP elevation, positional therapy, close monitoring.
Lunar Medical Bay Protocol
Acetazolamide for ICP reduction. Head elevation during sleep. Monthly OCT monitoring. Earth ophthalmology telemedicine if progressive. Vision screening at every medical review.
Evacuation Criteria
Progressive vision loss. Significant visual acuity decline. Macular involvement.
Prevention
Annual OCT screening, regular ICP monitoring, early treatment of SANS.