太空飛行相關的神經眼部綜合症（SANS）影響了約百分之七十的國際太空站太空人。在微重力環境下，體液的堆積會擠壓眼球並導致視力受損。對於即將到來的長期深空探索任務而言，這構成嚴重的操作與健康風險。（關鍵數字：70）

為了應對此問題，歐洲太空總署（ESA）委託英國新創公司 Siloton 開發一款小型的眼部掃描儀器。該設備利用量子技術，將傳統龐大的視光設備核心組件縮小到一個比硬幣還小的光子晶片上。

這款自動化的設備將使太空人能夠在無需地面人員即時指導的情況下進行自我掃描，克服了深空通訊延遲的挑戰。這項專為太空設計的研發成果，也將有助於 Siloton 改進其為英國國民保健署（NHS）患者提供的居家視網膜掃描設備。

Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) affects roughly 70 percent of astronauts on the International Space Station. In a microgravity environment, fluid buildup squashes the eyeballs and causes vision impairment, posing serious operational and health risks for upcoming long-duration deep space missions.

To address this issue, the ESA commissioned the British startup Siloton to develop a compact eye-scanning device. The technology utilizes quantum technology to shrink the core components of bulky traditional optometry equipment onto a photonic chip smaller than a coin.

This automated device will enable astronauts to perform self-scans without real-time guidance from ground support, overcoming the challenge of deep space communication delays. The research and development for this space application will also help Siloton improve its home-based retinal scanning devices for NHS patients.