Abstract
Optics has relevance not only on Earth but everywhere in the universe; this fact is no more apparent than in the vision issues experienced by astronauts when they leave the Earth’s atmosphere (and laws of “earthly” physics). In this chapter, we will discuss how the study of Ophthalmic Optics can impact astronauts and future space travelers. First, vision standards in astronaut selection will be discussed, including acceptable vision correction methods and standards. Next, vision changes and ocular pathologies experienced by astronauts, especially in extended zero-gravity conditions will be reviewed. Additionally, a brief overview of various technologies and devices utilized by modern ophthalmologists that stemmed from previous space-travel-related research will be provided. Concepts of laser vision correction described in other text chapters will be utilized and applied to vision standards in astronauts. Finally, the chapter will conclude with future considerations for human space flight related to Optics and ophthalmologists. Given the recently renewed interest in space travel, it is hoped that this chapter will stimulate further reading and discussion of the numerous applications and inventions that have seen the light of day (pun intended) as a result of NASA’s pursuit of scientific discovery (within the discipline of optics and ophthalmology).
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Notes
- 1.
Manuel, K, Mader, T.H. Ophthalmologic Concerns: Vision Standards and Selection Testing. Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight, edited by Michael R. Barratt, Sam Pool, Springer, 2008, 535–545.
- 2.
See Chap. 30 , Optics for Refractive Surgery for a more detailed discussion on upper and lower limits of refractive error amenable to laser refractive surgery.
- 3.
Reschke, M, Clement, G, Thorson, S, Mader, T.H. Neurology: Visual Impairment. Space Physiology and Medicine, edited by Nicogossian, A.E, Williams, R.S., Huntoon, C, L., Doarn, C.R., Polk, J.D., Schneider, V.S. Springer, 2016, 245–283
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Recall the discussion for occupational/recreational bifocals in Chap. 16 Construction of Glasses
- 6.
Manuel, K, Mader, T.H. Ophthalmologic Concerns: Vision Standards and Selection Testing. Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight, edited by Michael R. Barratt, Sam Pool, Springer, 2008, 535–545
- 7.
In other words, probably not a good idea to get a corneal ulcer due to overnight contact lens wear during your flight to Mars. However, microbial keratitis has occurred in space: https://www.escrs.org/Publications/Eurotimes/08Feb/NASAapprovesalllaser.pdf
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The 1980s were certainly a strange era… see Chap. 30 Optics for Refractive Surgery for more information regarding RK and other historical refractive procedures.
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Mader TH, Gibson CR, Schmid JF, Lipsky W, Sargsyan AE, Garcia K, Williams JN. Intraocular Lens Use in an Astronaut During Long Duration Spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018 Jan 1; 89(1):63–65.
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Similar to a nervous first/second-year resident pushing down on the globe during cataract surgery, much to the chagrin of the teaching attending…
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And you thought Mirrors were only there to make your life miserable on exams…
- 29.
See Chap. 14 “Physical Optics and Advanced Optical Principles”, Physical Optics for a discussion about Hartmann-Shack technology
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What? You didn’t think we’d finish the chapter without that reference, did you?
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Batliwala, S.Y., Riaz, K.M. (2022). Optics in Micro-Gravity and Zero-Gravity Conditions. In: Riaz, K.M., Vicente, G.V., Wee, D. (eds) Optics for the New Millennium. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95251-8_25
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