Stability of vision during space flight in an astronaut with bilateral intraocular lenses

To report excellent and stable vision in an astronaut during space flight after bilateral cataract surgery with intraocular lenses.

A 60-year-old physician mission specialist astronaut developed cataracts and underwent phacoemulsification with insertion of one-piece polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses that had 6-mm optics bilaterally. Several months later, he flew on a space shuttle mission. Ocular examinations were performed before and after the mission, and the patient was questioned about visual changes during flight.

Ocular examinations demonstrated stable bilateral posterior chamber intraocular lenses. Our subject reported excellent vision during liftoff, 18 days of microgravity, changes in cabin pressure, and reentry.

Results suggest that intraocular lenses are safe, effective, and well tolerated during space flight.