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The researchers surveyed 13 space travellers who had spent more than five months on the International Space Station (ISS).
The study mentioned weightlessness as the actual cause of SANS. (Photo: Pexels)
Prolonged exposure to microgravity can severely affect astronauts’ vision, leading to a rare condition called spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). A recent study, led by ophthalmologist Santiago Costantino at the Universite de Montreal, shed light on this concern.
The study says that almost 70 per cent of astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience eye issues, raising apprehensions about long-duration missions.
As per the research, when astronauts surpass the Earth’s atmosphere, their bodily fluids shift upwards due to the lack of gravity. It parallelly impacts their eye pressure, altering the anatomy and function of the optical nerve as well as the surrounding tissues. The scientists surveyed 13 space travellers who had spent between 157 and 186 days on the ISS.
Using advanced imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography and tonometry, it was found that the ocular rigidity of those astronauts had decreased by 33 per cent, making their eyes more vulnerable. As fluid circulation was affected, the intraocular pressure dropped by 11 per cent.
Microgravity also affects the blood flow to the retina, making a huge impact on the ocular pulse amplitude. Due to these physiological changes, astronauts may experience blurry vision and optic nerve swelling. The situation can be worse when combined with other symptoms like reduced eye size, retinal folds and a change in focal fields.
The effects of SANS, however, appear to be recoverable as the majority of those astronauts participating in the study regained normal vision upon returning to Earth. Almost 80 percent of them opted for corrective lenses and the results were quite positive.
The study mentioned weightlessness as the actual cause of SANS. On Earth, gravity plays a crucial role in blood circulation while maintaining a balance between the upper and lower body. In space, however, this natural regulation can be affected.
NASA and other space organisations have already started working with Canada’s Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital to find a permanent remedy. As suggested by scientists, astronauts can use wearable devices to regulate eye pressure. Space agencies can find a way to simulate Earth-like conditions with artificial gravity.
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