Publications by authors named "Ethan Waisberg"
Visual processing involves numerous neuro-ophthalmic pathways that enable humans to perceive and interact with the world. These visual pathways can negatively impact visual perception and decision-making. The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) is a compensatory mechanism that stabilizes gaze on a target during head movement, such as running or turning.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSpaceflight associated dry eye syndrome (SADES): Radiation, stressors, and ocular surface health.
Life Sci Space Res (Amst)
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- Crewed spaceflight missions present health risks, notably changes to astronauts' tear film lipid layer, which can lead to complications like dry eye syndrome.
- The review focuses on existing studies related to tear film biophysics and the specific symptoms associated with spaceflight-associated dry eye syndrome (SADES).
- The insights gained can help address ocular health during long-duration missions, such as those planned for the Moon and Mars.
Article Synopsis
- * To protect crew members from ocular injuries, the ISS uses ophthalmic medications, environmental support systems, radiation protection, and conducts thorough preflight screenings.
- * Future missions to the Moon and Mars, including NASA's Gateway Program, will face new challenges for eye health, necessitating ongoing research and improvements in safety protocols for astronauts in extraterrestrial environments.
Artificial intelligence in corneal diseases: A narrative review.
Cont Lens Anterior Eye
December 2024
Article Synopsis
- Corneal diseases are increasingly problematic, especially in areas with limited eye care resources, but AI can help automate their diagnosis and management.
- This review highlights AI’s effectiveness in diagnosing various corneal conditions, showing it often surpasses human accuracy by using combined imaging and clinical data.
- Although there are challenges like diverse patient populations and the complexity of AI models, advancements in explainable AI and better data handling can improve the situation.
Article Synopsis
- - Long-duration spaceflight (LDSF) poses specific health risks, notably Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), linked to changes in fluid dynamics and increased pressure in the brain due to microgravity.
- - SANS is unique to space environments, as there is no equivalent condition on Earth, although some studies attempt to simulate space conditions through bed rest and head-down tilting.
- - Proposed solutions to combat SANS include using thigh cuffs for blood flow regulation and devices like the impedance threshold device (ITD) to help reduce intracranial pressure.
Article Synopsis
- Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) helps shift blood from the upper body to the lower body, potentially helping astronauts deal with fluid redistribution effects in space.
- Over the past 50 years, advancements in LBNP technology have increased our understanding of how spaceflight affects various bodily systems, particularly in reducing bone loss.
- This study aims to review the historical development of LBNP and its potential uses in addressing the diverse physiological challenges astronauts face, while advocating for its broader application in ensuring astronaut health during space missions.
Coordinated lunar time (LTC): Implications of a lunar-centric time zone on astronaut health and space medicine.
Life Sci Space Res (Amst)
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- Lunar exploration is crucial for advancing science, economic growth, and the potential for humans to live on multiple planets.
- On April 2, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration emphasized the need for time standards beyond Earth, proposing the idea of Coordinated Lunar Time (CLT) for the moon.
- CLT would enhance astronaut health and mission efficiency, but requires international cooperation and agreements for its implementation.
Article Synopsis
- As space travel becomes more accessible, it's important to address eye diseases that may arise in these unique environments.
- This paper examines the treatment methods for ocular diseases, focusing on topical eye drops and intravitreal injections, and how microgravity affects their administration.
- It aims to clarify the relationship between drug delivery, fluid dynamics, and human physiology in zero gravity to develop better solutions for those facing these challenges in space.
Article Synopsis
- * SANS is characterized by symptoms such as swelling of the optic disc, changes in eye shape, and retinal abnormalities, but its exact cause is still not fully understood and may involve fluid shifts in microgravity and other factors.
- * Advanced imaging techniques, including MRI and optical coherence tomography, are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring SANS, and new methods like near-infrared spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging could enhance future research and analysis.
Neurostimulation as a technology countermeasure for dry eye syndrome in astronauts.
Life Sci Space Res (Amst)
August 2024
Article Synopsis
- Dry eye syndrome (DES) affects up to 30% of astronauts on the International Space Station due to changes in fluid dynamics caused by microgravity, increasing the risk of corneal abrasions and impairing visual function.
- Current treatments, like artificial tears, face challenges such as fluid dynamics within containers and contamination risks, highlighting the need for better solutions.
- Neurostimulation presents a promising new method for managing DES symptoms by using electrical signals to improve neural function, making it a focus for future space missions such as those to the Moon and Mars.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. Early recognition and treatment are important for preventing or minimizing the long-term effects of the disease. Current gold standard modalities of diagnosis (e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The text discusses the importance of split-second decision-making for NFL game officials and highlights key visual functions necessary for accurate officiating, such as visual acuity and unobstructed line of sight.
- It reviews previous research showing that training in neuro-ophthalmic principles improves officials’ understanding and confidence in their decision-making.
- Additionally, it explores the potential of virtual reality technology to create immersive training environments that simulate real NFL gameplay, allowing officials to practice important visual skills.