The European Space Agency is trying to understand why astronauts lose their eyesight in space, in the hope they can figure out how to treat—or even prevent—the condition as looming longer spaceflights heighten the risk of permanent vision damage. Courtesy of SilotonWhile returning to Earth can reverse some of the damage, space agencies are concerned by both the operational risk of astronauts losing their vision mid-mission, as well as the longer-term health impacts. “The eye condition SANS is a serious health risk facing astronauts on long missions,” says Rebecca Evernden, director of the UK Space Agency. As astronauts journey further into deep space, lengthening communication delays with Earth will mean this is no longer feasible. Siloton’s device would allow astronauts to scan their retinas more frequently by automating some of the process so that examinations do not need ground support.