Astronauts Are Going Blind in Space? Scientists Sound the Alarm! – The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel
What if space itself was slowly stealing astronauts’ vision? A startling new study has revealed a little-known risk that could jeopardize deep-space exploration. With no cure in sight, NASA and medical experts are scrambling for solutions before it’s too late. Is this the ultimate obstacle to reaching Mars?For decades, astronauts have been exploring the vast expanse of space, conducting research, and preparing for humanity’s next giant leap—Mars. But as space agencies gear up for long-duration missions, scientists have uncovered a silent threat to astronaut health: spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). This condition, triggered by prolonged exposure to microgravity, is causing alarming changes in astronauts’ eyes, raising concerns about the feasibility of deep-space travel.A recent study led by ophthalmologist Santiago Costantino at the Université de Montréal reveals that over 70% of astronauts spending extended periods aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience significant ocular changes. These findings add yet another challenge to the already complex equation of human survival beyond Earth.When astronauts venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere, they enter a world where gravity no longer pulls fluids downward. Instead, bodily fluids shift upwards, increasing pressure in the head and eyes. This redistribution leads to a cascade of effects, altering the structure and function of the optic nerve and the surrounding tissues.Researchers examined 13 astronauts who had spent between 157 and 186 days on the ISS, using advanced imaging techniques like optical coherence tomography and tonometry. The results were striking:These physiological changes, combined with other symptoms like altered focal fields, reduced eye size, and in some cases, optic nerve swelling and retinal folds, paint a worrying picture for space medicine.The root cause of SANS lies in the fundamental way the human body reacts to weightlessness. On Earth, gravity helps regulate blood flow, ensuring a balance between the upper and lower parts of the body. In space, however, the absence of gravity disrupts this system.Costantino and his team believe that increased blood flow to the head and sluggish venous circulation in the eyes cause structural changes, including the expansion of the choroid layer, which nourishes the retina. This swelling might explain why some astronauts experience blurry vision or need to adjust their prescriptions upon return.The good news is that these changes appear to be temporary. In most cases, astronauts’ vision returns to normal once they’re back on Earth. 80% of the astronauts in the study displayed at least one symptom of SANS, but corrective lenses were usually sufficient to restore their eyesight.However, the problem isn’t going away. With plans for deep-space travel on the horizon, NASA and other space agencies must find a way to prevent or mitigate these issues before astronauts embark on a two-to-three-year mission to Mars.One of the biggest unknowns in human spaceflight is how prolonged exposure to microgravity will affect eye health beyond the typical six-to-twelve-month stays on the ISS. Without gravity, the progression of SANS could become more severe, possibly leading to permanent vision damage.Scientists are already investigating solutions. Some promising approaches include:With no known countermeasures for SANS, researchers like Costantino’s team at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital are working closely with NASA to analyze new data. Their findings may pave the way for solutions that protect astronauts on long-haul missions and ensure the success of deep-space exploration.Got a reaction? Share your thoughts in the commentsEnjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.Problematic. We didn’t evolve in space thus there could be other issues as yet unknown. Whose gonna be the first guinea pigs? Not only that once there the specific gravity is what? 0.34 or something like that? Thus once there any problem getting there does not go away but continues to be exacerbated.Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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