AN OPHTHALMOLOGY PROCESS FOR AN EARTH-INDEPENDENT, REAL-TIME DIAGNOSIS OF SPACEFLIGHT ASSOCIATED NEURO-OCULAR SYNDROME (SANS) FOR DEEP SPACE MISSIONS.

BACKGROUND: Aerospace medical professionals may be familiar with the process of performing fundoscopy examinations for astronauts, and the level training and experience required to correctly diagnose retinal abnormalities. The same procedures can be used by astronauts themselves during spaceflight missions, but with mobile devices and artificial intelligence support, to aid in real-time diagnosis. This presentation will prepare space medicine practitioners, astronaut trainers, and astronauts to use mobile devices and artificial intelligence applications for detection of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) for potential use during upcoming Artemis missions to deep space. OVERVIEW: Operational space medicine practitioners perform regular eye examinations of crew members during their missions to assess symptoms of SANS. These eye examinations may benefit from an Earthindependent, real-time process for SANS diagnosis in-flight with fewer ground support dependencies. To assess the feasibility of using mobile devices for this purpose, a technology demonstration was conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Results from this technology demonstration were evaluated and used to develop an artificial intelligence process for SANS detection with no Internet connection or ground communication required. This process and its development will be presented with special reference to deep space applications, SANS countermeasure support, and where this process could be improved in the future. DISCUSSION: Mobile diagnostics and artificial intelligence applications have significance for their potential to save crew time and reduce schedule constraints during operational space medicine examinations. This process serves to support next steps for space medicine during LEO commercialization and the planned Artemis deep space missions. This work also has applications for remote medicine on Earth for professionals in emergency, military, or remote medicine without access to ophthalmology or neurology clinical specialists. Learning Objectives 1. The participant will be able to understand the process for AI-enabled fundoscopy for potential use during deep space missions. 2. The audience will learn about the capability gaps that may be filled with further development and integration of this technology for deep space missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]