Researchers have long known that astronauts experience significant physical changes during spaceflight. These changes were first seen in test animals that ventured — or, more accurately, were launched — into space before humans. But similar effects also were noted in Mercury astronauts soon thereafter.
To date, most of the research on how spaceflight affects the human body focuses on the muscles, bones, and hearts of astronauts. But many astronauts also report changes in their visual acuity following spaceflight — a condition known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, or SANS. Astronauts with SANS can develop impaired short-distance vision, experience headaches, and/or see floating blurry spots known as scotomas.
Now, a new study has evaluated how long-term spaceflight is tied to common changes seen within the skulls of astronauts, which impacts both their brains and eyes. The researchers also investigated how these intracranial changes could be related to SANS, uncovering some surprising results. The new findings were published Tuesday in the journal Radiology.
