NASA is making the news lately but not for space travel - more for eyeglasses and lenses. Since most astronauts are over the age of 40 when they reach space, they most likely develop presbyopia - which translates roughly to age-related vision problems. Needless to say, the demand for bifocals is pretty popular before launch.

NASA is currently testing out two newer lenses: TruFocals and PixelOptics. The tested lenses are intended to make space travel easier for astronauts who wear prescription glasses. Under the weight of the space gear, astronauts have complained that their glasses are heavy and have often times been broken. Both TruFocals and PixelOptics lenses are adjustable and are compatible with the conditions in space since the degeneration that usually occurs in space due to microgravity is lessened. The main reason for the degeneration of vision stems from bodily fluid and its reactions in microgravity. Bodily fluid tends to stream upward towards the top half of the body when someone spends longer periods of time in space.

The adjustable lenses will come in handy when astronauts wear glasses because as more fluid enters the head, the astronaut can adjust the lens for proper vision. Both sets of lenses also have larger reading sections, allowing for better vision when reading any readouts. Anyone wearing the TruFocal lens can adjust the prescription by touching the slider on the bridge which will change the pressure of the fluid inside the lens. Eyeglass frame options will be limited as the TruFocal lens can only be used in round frames.

The PixelOptics lens, on the other hand, will automatically adjust based on where light hits within the lens which will trigger an electrical current. The prescription will change and help the wearer see things closer of further away with more ease. Both lenses are in the testing phases with NASA and the chosen lens will be announced publicly before the close of 2010. TruFocal lenses are available online through their website while the PixelOptics lens is coming to the United States by the end of 2010 - making many people with prescription eyeglasses very happy.