LESSONS LEARNED

Most things in Human Space Flight are dependent upon Visualization of Targets; and Tolerances for error are Minimal at Best

BY KEITH MANUEL, O.D.

We asked Dr. Manuel what has been learned from astronauts that can be applied to the rest of us.

presbyopia

“The majority of astronauts in the prime of their careers are presbyopes.” [Presbyopia is a natural change in vision linked to the loss of flexibility in the crystalline lens, and early signs of loss in near vision usually occur around age 45.]

requirements

“Astronauts are demanding consumers and require lenses with the best performance, allowing them to see near, far, and in between. Progressive addition lenses [like Varilux] must provide on-demand great vision due to the critical nature of their work. Anti-reflective treatments [like Crizal] are also imperative in order to reduce the blinding glare they experience.”

tints

“Lens tints are imperative for protection in extreme environments.”