Does Space Travel Affect An Astronaut’s Eyesight?
In all the popular science fiction space-based television programmes, it’s rare that a hero or heroine wears glasses. Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr Who – it’s hard to think of a key individual who needed help to see (although possibly Darth Vadar, who was more machine than human, had artificial eyesight).
Did Dr Spock Need Glasses?
In fact, scientific research carried out into the long-term effects of space travel on astronauts has suggested that there is a link between deterioration of eyesight and the amount of time spent in space. According to this research, Captain Kirk, Dr Spock, Luke Skywalker et al would almost certainly have been wearing glasses by now, given the amount of time they spent in their space ships.
Generally astronauts visiting the various space stations spend around six months orbiting the Earth. However, future missions being planned to more distant planets – Mars for example – could take years and it is this duration of time that has been investigated to see what effect it has on the human body.
Eyes And Brains Affected By Space Travel
Research carried out into the eyes and brains of astronauts by the University of Texas Medical School in Houston has suggested that extended lengths of time in space (over 30 days) in a zero gravity environment, can cause these organs to develop abnormalities.
The research was conducted by performing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans on the patients which found that there was a build-up of pressure within the skull – which occurs in intracranial hypertension.
This could result in astronauts – who need to have perfect health – suffering problems with their eyesight for the first time.
The Problems Of Living In A Weightless Atmosphere
It is already known that living in a weightless environment can cause problems with wasting muscles and reduced bone density. The Sun also emits radiation which is a concern. Stays on the ISS (International Space Station) are limited to six months but a trip to Mars would be likely to take years and the long-term health effects need to be examined in full.
The scientists examining the effects on the eyesight of the astronauts discovered that some developed a bulging of the optic nerve and that the cerebral spinal fluid space expanded (which surrounds the optic nerve).
The Scientists concluded that these results were suspicious but that they were not unduly worried. Nasa is investigating the matter further and will monitor the situation.