Space medicine research explores eye surgery feasibility for Mars missions

Researchers are investigating the feasibility of performing ophthalmic surgeries, such as cataract procedures, during long-duration space missions to Mars. Because a journey to Mars can last nearly a year, astronauts may face ocular issues or injuries that cannot be treated by returning to Earth.

Ophthalmologist Morgan Micheletti of the Berkeley Eye Center presented research on this topic at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). She noted that the demand for medical procedures outside Earth will likely increase as crewed missions to the Moon, Mars, and space stations expand.

A significant part of the research involves determining if surgical equipment and materials can withstand space conditions. The JAMES project (Joint Assessment of Material Exposure in Space) has already tested 135 unpackaged intraocular lenses of various materials on the exterior of the International Space Station to study their durability.