Astronaut gets an eye exam in space

Don’t blink, you might miss it. ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer has his eyes examined by NASA astronaut Kayla Barron aboard the International Space Station.

During the tonometry eye exam, astronauts measure intraocular pressure by gently tapping the eye with an instrument called a tonometer. As the crew medical officer, Kayla is trained in this examination and received guidance from a medical team on the ground.

This exam is part of regular medical testing that astronauts undertake while in orbit. It helps identify and track any changes in eye pressure over time. Closely monitoring astronaut health in orbit is important. Along with regular exercise and a balanced diet, it ensures astronauts remain fit, healthy and in the best condition to support science and operations throughout their time in space.

Matthias and Kayla were launched to the International Space Station as members of Crew-3, alongside NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Tom Marshburn, on 11 November 2021. They will spend approximately six months living and working in orbit before returning to Earth in Crew Dragon capsule Endurance.