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03-024
For Release: April 21, 2003

Researcher Looks Through the Eye To Find Disease

Technology originally developed to study fluids' behavior in the
environment of space, or microgravity, is now being used to detect
various eye problems earlier and more accurately than ever before.

Dr. Rafat Ansari, biofluid sensor systems scientist at NASA's Glenn
Research Center, Cleveland, has utilized this "built-for-space"
fiber-optic probe, based on a technique called dynamic light
scattering, to detect cataracts and other eye diseases at the
molecular level. The value of the probe in the early detection of
cataracts has already been demonstrated in clinical trials at the
National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health. An early
detection of cataracts can help find nonsurgical cures for this
disease. 

The early emphasis on cataracts by Ansari is a result of his concern
for his father, who had developed cataracts. But now he has modified
the probe, and, with the help of renowned eye researchers around the
world, is testing it as a noninvasive diagnostic measurement device
for other eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Ansari also uses the eye as the "window to the body" to detect
illnesses in the entire body. He is using the probe in tests to
monitor diabetes and even Alzheimer's disease. 

NASA maintains its interest in Ansari's developments because the
effects of aging, such as cataracts, are similar to what happens to
the body during space travel. New instruments are always being sought
to diagnose and improve astronaut health. Ansari's probe is currently
being used to explore the effects of reduced gravity on fluid flow in
the eye through testing on the NASA KC-135 aircraft. A new instrument
being developed, which resembles night-vision goggles, uses light in
various forms to detect ocular and systemic abnormalities long before
clinical symptoms appear. This instrument to be used in space also
has obvious applications for remote health monitoring on Earth. This
is an example of how human spaceflight research is being used to do
exactly what NASA's vision compels it to do-improve life here on
Earth.

Ansari has leveraged his work in the area of vision problems to work
with various organizations in planning the Ohio's Vision.Awaken to
the Challenge conference on April 28, hosted by Glenn. The conference
is open to the public and will take place at the Ohio Aerospace
Institute in Cleveland, adjacent to Glenn. The focus of the event is
on social, economic and quality of life challenges that will result
from increasing vision problems in the population, a growing
statewide health issue. The scope of research being conducted in Ohio
will also be reviewed at the conference, which will include a review
of Ansari's work. 

More information about Ansari's work can be found at:
http://microgravity.grc.nasa.gov/grcbio/documents/eye.pdf

More information, including registration, about the Ohio's Vision
conference can be found at:
http://www.preventblindness.org/Ohio/agenda.html

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