An unidentified syndrome has been causing the deterioration of astronauts vision aboard the ISS, resulting in untreatable nearsightedness that lingers for months after their return to Earth.
The problem got so out of hand that two-thirds of all astronauts reported poor vision and problems with their eyesight after spending some time in orbit. However, scientists now say that they finally have an explanation for the phenomenon.
Earlier this year, NASA had reported that an unknown factor in space had astronauts sense of vision in disarray causing long-term impairment. Esteemed astronaut Scott Kelly, having perfect vision when he was selected as Americas first astronaut to spend a full year in space, has now said that hes been forced to wear reading glasses ever since coming home.
The afore-mentioned case is not an isolated incident as there are numerous records of astronauts experiencing the same phenomenon; Now NASA, suspects the culprit in question is a condition called Visual Impairment Cranial Pressure Syndrome (VIIP) which is caused by the lack of gravity in space.
The hypothesis is that the microgravity of the ISS, had been building up pressure in astronauts heads, causing approximately 2 litres of vascular fluid being moved towards their brains. Furthermore, it is said that the pressure has been responsible for the flattening of eyeballs and inflammation of optic nerves observed in returned astronauts.
Nonetheless, another study done by a team of researchers at the University of Miami has a different answer to the conundrum, which dictates that it is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) not vascular fluid, which is to be blamed for the deterioration of vision in astronauts in space.
Under normal circumstances, CSF is important for cushioning the brain and spinal cord, while also distributing nutrients around the body and helping to remove waste. It can easily adjust to changes in pressure that our bodies experience when transitioning from lying down to sitting or standing, but in the constant microgravity of space, it starts to falter.
There are no solutions as of yet, to treat or prevent fluid buildup in space ergo the brain damage that comes as a consequence.
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