Space radiation and risk for ocular surface malignancies: Exposure risk, current mitigation strategies, and management considerations for a mission to Mars

Abstract

Ocular surface tumors, originating from either the conjunctiva or the cornea, primarily fall into three categories of malignant or premalignant neoplasms: ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), ocular surface melanocytic tumors, and conjunctival lymphoid tumors. These neoplasms can originate from either the conjunctiva or the cornea. Exposure to space radiation, particularly galactic cosmic rays, and solar particle events, poses a significant threat to astronaut health, including the development of ocular malignancies. As such, the objective of this study was to describe the exposure risk for ocular surface malignancies, current mitigation strategies, and management considerations for a mission to Mars. The current mitigation strategies for space radiation include physical and structural shielding along with dietary interventions. Additionally, management of ocular health during a Mars mission can include holoportation, AI-powered diagnostics, newest in-space surgical technology, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and more. Conclusively, further research and collaboration amongst space and healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts during future space exploration endeavors.