Summary of the spaceflight-induced visual impairment research.
Nearly two-thirds of astronauts who return from long-term missions on the International Space Station experience blurry vision. The syndrome, known as the visual impairment intracranial pressure, is also responsible for flattening of the eyeball and inflammation of the optic nerve, and can cause permanent far-sightedness. Researchers found the likely cause for this mysterious impairment, which is related to volume changes in the clear fluid that is found around the brain and spinal cord. Authors say this study can help develop countermeasures for astronauts before they head on their missions, and prevent any long-term optical effects of microgravity.
Authors:
Noam Alperin, Ahmet M. Bagci, Sang H. Lee, and Byron L. Lam
Radiological Society of North America press release, published on November 28, 2016.
