NASA is actively investigating how prolonged space travel affects astronaut health, specifically focusing on vision and brain pressure. Recent studies reveal that over 60% of astronauts experience Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a condition impacting eyesight and eye structure.
Researchers are using advanced imaging techniques and physiological monitoring to understand the underlying mechanisms. Microgravity, the state of weightlessness in space, is believed to cause fluid shifts within the body, increasing pressure within the skull and potentially affecting the optic nerve. This pressure change can lead to vision changes and swelling of the optic disc.
The findings, presented at the International Space Station Research and Development Conference, highlight the urgent need for countermeasures. NASA aims to develop strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring the long-term health and safety of future deep-space explorers as they prepare for missions to the Moon and beyond. Understanding these physiological changes is crucial for successful extended missions.
