Related Experiment Videos
Wearing contact lenses in space shuttle operations
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|December 1, 1985
Summary
Astronauts needing vision correction can likely wear soft contact lenses in space. Continuous-wear soft contact lenses are recommended and require fitting six months prior to space missions for successful adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Human Physiology in Space
Background:
- Increasing numbers of mission specialists require vision correction.
- Approximately 48% of the general population uses some form of visual correction.
- This demographic trend is expected within the astronaut population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of soft contact lens wear for astronauts.
- To identify suitable contact lens types for the space environment.
Main Methods:
- Proposing the use of continuous-wear soft contact lenses.
- Recommending a fitting period of at least six months prior to space flight.
Main Results:
- Continuous-wear soft contact lenses show success in the general population.
- A pre-flight fitting period is crucial for successful adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Soft contact lenses are a viable option for astronauts with vision correction needs.
- Proper fitting and adaptation are key to successful contact lens wear in space.