Eyes in the sky

In December 2011 a NASA rover reported discovering gypsum on Mars. This is virtually iron clad evidence that water once existed on Mars as gypsum is deposited by water and NASA experts say that the chemical and geological environment in which the gypsum was found “just screams water”. These kind of reports always rekindle enthusiasm for space travel and thoughts that one day, as we denude this planet, we might set off for a new venue such as Mars. If thoughts of a space odyssey are on your mind though, a new study has suggested that your eyes might not enjoy the trip.

The study team reported the results of eye exams of seven astronauts as well as questionnaires given to 300 more astronauts.

The results showed that after six months in space all seven astronauts had swollen optic nerves, distortion of the shape of the eyeball, and changes in the retina. Most of them also became farsighted and had blurred vision. Spinal taps of these astronauts showed raised pressure in the spinal fluid surrounding the brain and optic nerves.

The questionnaires revealed that 60 per cent of astronauts on long-duration missions had a loss of either distance or near visual acuity.

The evidence is clear that prolonged exposure to low gravity causes fluid shifts in the eye and around the areas of the brain involved in vision that leads to altered eyesight. Who knows what other brain responses there could be to prolonged low gravity?

If you are planning a tourist trip to Mars then, it might be an idea to take along your optometrist or you won’t be seeing those pyramids of Mars in the way you expected to.