𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐨 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞?
🧑🏽🚀 Space travel presents a unique challenge for astronauts: vision impairment.
Research has shown that prolonged time in microgravity can lead to a condition known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). This syndrome affects astronauts on extended missions, causing symptoms such as optic nerve swelling, retinal changes, and farsightedness.
🚀 The leading theory behind SANS is fluid shift. On Earth, gravity keeps bodily fluids evenly distributed, but in space, these fluids move upward toward the head, increasing pressure inside the skull and affecting the eyes. NASA and researchers are actively studying ways to counteract these effects, including lower body negative pressure devices and other preventive measures.
🌕 With space agencies planning longer missions to the Moon and Mars, understanding and mitigating vision problems in microgravity is crucial for astronaut health and mission success.
#VisionLoss #SpaceHealth #NASA