Zero-gravity’s ocular effects

Canadian scientists have developed a new method for testing ocular rigidity as part of a study investigating the ocular effects of spaceflight.

Most astronauts who spend longer than a month in space develop spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), which mainly affects the optic nerves, can reshape the eyeball and create folds on the retina. Upon leaving zero-gravity, some astronauts heal in a few weeks while others experience problems with their vision for years.

Technology measuring ocular rigidity measures the volume of blood that enters the eye with each heartbeat. ‘Since deformed eyeballs are common among astronauts once they’re back on Earth, our working hypothesis is that rigidity will influence how much the eye changes shape,’ explained researcher Mark Lesk.