The European Space Agency is investigating the causes of vision loss in astronauts during space missions, particularly as longer flights become more common. They have partnered with Siloton, a UK startup, to develop a compact eye-scanning device that could be used in space to monitor ocular health without needing ground support.
Siloton's technology, which is currently helping patients with retinal conditions, aims to automate eye examinations for astronauts. This advancement could provide critical data on eye health and help mitigate the risks associated with spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, which affects many astronauts.
Watch for advancements in Siloton's eye-scanning technology as it progresses towards deployment in upcoming Artemis missions. The ability to monitor astronauts' ocular health in real-time could transform long-duration spaceflight safety protocols and enhance mission planning.