Space
Why Some Astronauts Develop Bad Eyesight in a Low-Gravity Environment
Catherine Griffin
First Posted: Jan 11, 2016 11:32 AM EST
Why do astronauts have bad eyes? Scientists have taken a closer look at astronauts and have found that low-gravity environments may have a negative effect on eyesight.
Scientists previously identified biochemical differences in astronauts experiencing vision issues, specifically that metabolites in the one-carbon pathway were elevated. The study was followed up by examining a handful of differences in enzymes in the one-carbon pathway.
The scientists also collected blood samples from astronauts for DNA, biochemical and metabolic analyses; they also measured vision and ocular parameters. This revealed two genetic differences were significant factors in whether individuals developed vision issues in low-gravity environments.
"We've identified a genetic link in astronauts with vision issues," said Scott Smith, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We still don't know the mechanism, or what is causing the vision issues, but being able to narrow down who to study should help refine research and hopefully will speed finding the cause and a way to treat, or ideally to prevent, these problems from happening."
The findings could help scientists understand what causes vision problems in astronauts. This is especially important when it comes to long-duration space missions-such as one to Mars. If scientists can understand how to prevent these vision issues, then they may be able to treat astronauts before they undergo long missions.
The findings are published in the FASEB Journal.
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First Posted: Jan 11, 2016 11:32 AM EST
Why do astronauts have bad eyes? Scientists have taken a closer look at astronauts and have found that low-gravity environments may have a negative effect on eyesight.
Scientists previously identified biochemical differences in astronauts experiencing vision issues, specifically that metabolites in the one-carbon pathway were elevated. The study was followed up by examining a handful of differences in enzymes in the one-carbon pathway.
The scientists also collected blood samples from astronauts for DNA, biochemical and metabolic analyses; they also measured vision and ocular parameters. This revealed two genetic differences were significant factors in whether individuals developed vision issues in low-gravity environments.
"We've identified a genetic link in astronauts with vision issues," said Scott Smith, one of the researchers, in a news release. "We still don't know the mechanism, or what is causing the vision issues, but being able to narrow down who to study should help refine research and hopefully will speed finding the cause and a way to treat, or ideally to prevent, these problems from happening."
The findings could help scientists understand what causes vision problems in astronauts. This is especially important when it comes to long-duration space missions-such as one to Mars. If scientists can understand how to prevent these vision issues, then they may be able to treat astronauts before they undergo long missions.
The findings are published in the FASEB Journal.
Related Articles
NASA May Grow Potatoes on Mars Just Like Mark Watney in 'The Martian'
Astronauts Can Now Drink Espresso and Other Beverages on the ISS in Space
For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone