by admin | Jan 14, 2020 | Blog, News
Happy Tech Tuesday! The winter session of our Technology Program starts today! 📱
Cellphones and iPads have made life easier with their new features like email, planners, social media, navigation systems, weather, and so forth…
Although most apps and features are not geared toward people who are blind or have low vision, there are many meant for just them – all of which this program teaches to the participants!
Did you know you can use your phone to program household electronics, vacuums, thermostats, and lights, just to name a few useful features? Pretty cool stuff!
If you’d like to find out more about our Technology Program, please email Linda Groszew, the Program Director, at 📧 lgroszew@vlanj.org, or call us at ☎️ 973-627-0055 ext 1312.
by admin | Jan 13, 2020 | Blog, News
In all 50 states, the law requires drivers to yield the right of way when they see an extended white cane or guide dog.
Only people who are blind or have low vision may legally carry white canes. They listen to traffic patterns to know when to cross streets and to keep a straight line when moving around.
So remember to yield the right of way!
by admin | Jan 12, 2020 | Blog, News
😎 ☀️ Gorgeous weather calls for digging out your sunglasses! ☀️😎
You should, however, keep them out for the rest of winter too. Studies show that sun exposure — regardless of season — may increase the risk of developing cataracts, snow blindness and growths on the eye, including cancer. Find out more in the article below!
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/winter-sun-eye-safety?fbclid=IwAR2whWZNJ9vHBYi_T3on4GjWZI-XiUi4n4ON1nZHOcIPIumnnd88Kfr3flc
by admin | Jan 10, 2020 | Blog, News
Glaucoma is often referred to as the silent thief of eye sight. 👁️👁️
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:
• Severe headache
• Eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Eye redness
Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes, and tunnel vision in the advanced stages.
If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, such as severe headache, eye pain and blurred vision, head to the emergency room or see your eye doctor immediately!
by admin | Jan 9, 2020 | Blog, News
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Known as the silent thief of eye sight, glaucoma often progresses with no symptoms or warning signs, making it crucial to detect it early. Although more common in people over 60, glaucoma can affect people of any age.
How does glaucoma progress?
Your eye is filled with a clear fluid which your body is continuously replacing. More fluid enters the eye in the back and the excess fluid drains through the front. As you age, the “drains” for the fluid become narrow and the eye cannot drain the excess fluid quickly enough. This fluid builds up and pressure increases in the eye. If the pressure gets high enough, it can damage the optic nerve because the pressure restricts the flow of blood to the nerve, causing vision loss and even blindness.
Vision loss due to glaucoma can’t be recovered. So it’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented!
