Long space tours may cause blurred eyesight in astronauts

An advanced health study warns NASA of a health threat that its astronauts are exposed to while traveling in space. Health experts working with NASA say staying in space for a longer period increases the chances of an astronaut’s exposure to blurred vision.

Researchers in the field have also doubly caution the agency on extensive space mission, for instance space trip to Mars, as this might make the astronaut completely unsighted.

The survey substantiates the study
A recent survey conducted by NASA on its 300 astronauts found out that 30 percent of the astronauts on two-week shuttle mission and 60 percent of the astronauts on six-month ISS mission complained of blurring vision either during or after their tours.

To take necessary action against the looming danger, NASA has specially appointed an expert team to examine the situation thoroughly. As an instant measure, the space agency has also sent special eye-glasses for the affected astronauts currently on their mission to the International Space Station.

Health hazard for space astronauts
Though all the crew members are potentially vulnerable, it is hard to determine who would be definitely vulnerable; maintained Chief NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson.

As per Whitson, "Some people, it reverses and they come back to the same level that they were at pre-flight. Others have not been reversible."

Besides blurred eyesight, astronauts may also suffer deconditioned muscles due to restricted motion and microgravity adaption while staying in a small orbiting object.

To add to the above ill effects, falling bone density and swelled up faces as fluid normally in feet area remains adrift into the head area, are also major problems faced in the space, say health experts.