The ISC welcomes the Lions Eye Institute, who will work with NASA to further develop research into intracranial pressure in astronauts, which can lead to vision loss.
Intracranial pressue can rise to unsafe levels in astronauts who are in space for more than six months. Not only can intracranial pressure be an issue for astronauts, it is also known to affect recovery from traumatic head injury, brain tumours, optic nerve swelling, and glaucoma.
The Lions Eye Institute‘s Managing Director Professor Bill Morgan, is a key member of the space physiology and medicine research group of the ISC, and will also sit on the Board. His research team will focus on refining current technique for the measurement and treatment of intracranial pressure. The aim is for regular monitoring of astronaut cranial pressure, as well as treatments to reduce or eliminate dangerous levels that can be applied in space. It is anticipated that technological advances gained for space travel will have direct flow-on effects into diagnostic devices on Earth.
“Altough still in its early days, the International Space Centre will provide opportunity for many new discoveries in a wide range of fields, including space explorations, and of course, medicine in space,” Professor Morgan said.
“We are excited for what the future holds, and how this will translate to improvements in eye health care and treatment right here in Western Australia.”