HYPOTHESES: 1. The Equinox Balance Goggle Device reduces the pressure in the microenvironment anterior to the orbital. 2. The Equinox Balance Goggle Device is safe for use as assessed by adverse events.

SPECIFIC AIMS: 1. Create the ability to manipulate pressure of the microenvironment of the orbit with the Balance Goggles with both pressure and vacuum microenvironments. 2. Prove that the optic nerve head morphology changes with increased pressure or vacuum to the microenvironment. 3. Determine that the Balance Goggles are safe for use with pressure and vacuum environments on the eye.

KEY FINDINGS: The safety of the Equinox Balance Goggle Device was demonstrated as a result of this study, with no reports of adverse events in the patient population. In this study, the Equinox Balance Goggles System was well-tolerated by the 30 patients enrolled and treated as part of the study protocol.

IMPACT OF FINDINGS: Integration of the Equinox Balance Goggle Device as part of NASA Space Programs or Projects may provide a method of mitigating the risk of spaceflight-induced intracranial hypertension/vision alterations through application of pressure in microenvironment directly in front of the eyes of astronauts.

PROPOSED RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMING YEAR: There is no additional research planned as part of this grant at this time.

Project complete; the task progress made during this funded grant year was completion of the intended safety study. See also Task Description/Summary.