Shocking Vision Issues Impact 70% of Astronauts During Extended Space Missions: What You Need to Know

When astronauts come back from the International Space Station (ISS), many notice a surprising change: their eyesight isn’t what it used to be.

This issue affects about 70% of astronauts on long missions. NASA scientists are diving deep to figure out why floating in space impacts our vision.

Take Dr. Sarah Johnson, for example. During her six-month stay on the ISS, she found that text she could read easily before her launch turned blurry in space. She isn’t alone; many astronauts share similar experiences, such as trouble reading and blurred long-distance vision, which can linger long after they return to Earth.

This condition is called Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). Unlike short-lived problems like motion sickness or muscle weakness, vision changes can be lasting and serious.

The main culprit is microgravity. On Earth, gravity pulls fluids down through our bodies. In space, these fluids move around differently, causing pressure inside the skull to rise and leading to facial swelling. This increased pressure can flatten the back of the eyeball, affecting vision.

Dr. Michael Roberts, who leads vision research at NASA, emphasizes the urgency of understanding these changes. “An astronaut with severely compromised vision could jeopardize an entire Mars mission,” he warns. Future missions to Mars could last 2-3 years, making this issue even more critical.

To combat this, NASA is exploring various solutions, from specialized contact lenses and medications to reduce fluid pressure, to exercise routines that help maintain blood circulation. They are also testing a device called the Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure (VIIP) chamber, designed to mimic Earth-like pressure for the eyes.

Interestingly, this research doesn’t just matter for astronauts. It has the potential to help people on Earth by improving our understanding of how pressure impacts vision. This could lead to better treatments for conditions like glaucoma and intracranial hypertension.

As we push the boundaries of space travel, we also uncover challenges related to our bodies. The ongoing research at NASA and the ISS aims to ensure that when human missions to Mars are finally achieved, we can see clearly all that we have accomplished.

By learning how our bodies adapt to the unique environment of space, we’re not only preparing for future missions but also enriching our understanding of health and vision here on Earth.



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