by admin | Mar 10, 2020 | Blog, News
March is Workplace Eye Wellness month – each workplace poses different hazards, but one of the most common is blue light.
Blue light rays have the shortest wavelengths (and highest energy). They are sometimes called blue-violet or violet light. This is why the invisible electromagnetic rays just beyond the visible light spectrum are called ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
🕶️ Sunlight is the main source of blue light, and being outdoors during daylight is where most of us get most of our exposure to it. But there are also many man-made, indoor sources of blue light, including fluorescent and LED lighting and flat-screen televisions, the display screens of computers, electronic notebooks, smartphones and other digital devices, which all emit significant amounts of blue light.
⚠️ What are the hazards? ⚠️
The eye is not very good at blocking blue light – it penetrates all the way to the retina (the inner lining of the back of the eye) and laboratory studies have shown that too much exposure to blue light can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. This can lead to macular degeneration and permanent vision loss.
Blue light also contributes to digital eye strain, and can lead to other eye problems in the long term. What can you do to protect your eyes? Try to limit your screen time & get some blue light filters or protective eyewear!
by admin | Mar 10, 2020 | Blog, News
Another person has lost sight in their eye because of a growing fad – eyeball tattoos. Learn more in this article:
https://www.insider.com/a-model-went-blind-after-getting-her-eyes-tattooed-black-2020-2?fbclid=IwAR38FqTqSGGDbBdPv17M5wBzf3Yh82HhKkCVb2dqJghbNIBNyMtaygX0G7c
If the thought of eye tattooing itself doesn’t make you shudder, here are a few things to consider:
👁️ Eye tattoos, also known as sclera tattoos, are created by injecting a small amount of ink over the sclera, the white portion of the eye, and under the membrane covering the eye, the conjunctiva.
This process is described as having to be relaxed with eyes wide open, and someone touching your eye ball with a burning cigarette. Yuck!
Any ophthalmologist will tell you that doing so is not safe for your eyes, and will likely cause permanent inflammation to the wall of the eye. Other potential risks include constant discomfort, blurred vision, vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, injury to the cornea and blindness.
We vote “nay” on this fad and recommend steering clear of eyeball tattooing!
by admin | Mar 8, 2020 | Blog, News
Did you remember to turn your clocks forward? 🕒
Daylight Savings Time started today! In the United States, it starts on the 2nd Sunday in March and ends on the 1st Sunday in November.
Some clocks may have changed automatically – this would include any devices receiving a radio frequency signal, such as your cell phones, laptops, iPads and so forth.
What are the best clocks to use if you are blind or have low vision? There’s a variety of options, from using Braille-coded manual clocks to ones that talk to you. Here’s a list of devices that are recommended by amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/…/Explore-talki…/74abb5f54e3775b9d424
by admin | Mar 7, 2020 | Blog, News
Have you been asked to guide a person who is blind/low vision? Here are some pointers:
- Allow the person you are guiding to hold your arm and follow as you walk.
- Move your guiding arm behind your back when approaching a narrow space so the person you are guiding can step behind you and follow single-file.
- Stop briefly at a curb or at the beginning of a flight of stairs. Tell the person you are guiding whether the steps go up or down, and allow them to find the handrail and locate the edge of the first step before proceeding.
- Do not grab the person you are guiding by the hand, arm, or shoulder and try to steer them. Nor should you grab the person’s cane or the handle of a dog guide’s harness.
Want to find out more about orientation and mobility for people who are blind/low vision? Reach out to us at 973-627-0055 ext. 1312!
by admin | Mar 4, 2020 | Blog, News
Ever wonder about how people who are blind/low vision can tell different items apart, even though they have the same shape?
• Technology! There are different apps that can read labels for you or get you real-time assistance from a sighted person.
• Braille Labels! If you can read Braille, using a Braille label is a simple solution for telling apart which can contains soup and which contains vegetables.
• Rubber bands. Tying some rubber bands around a shampoo bottle can help tell it apart from conditioner.
We teach several different techniques for organization, medication management, and more at our Essential Low Vision Program. The next session takes place on March 4th. Join us! Registration is required for this event. Learn more by emailing us at lgroszew@vlanj.org or by calling 973-627-0055 ext 1312.
by admin | Mar 2, 2020 | Blog, News
Happy Tech Tuesday. Let’s talk screen time 📱
How many hours do you spend on various screens per day and how does that affect your eye sight?
Although there is no consensus of how much screen time is “healthy” for adults or kids, most ophthalmologists and researchers recommend not spending more than 2 hours per day on technology devices/ television.
Excessive screen time can cause eye damage, mostly due to strain, resulting it eye irritation, dryness, headaches, fatigue or blurred vision. It can also affect posture and mood. What can you do about it?
⏱️ Set timers for yourself at intervals that work for you, and set reminders for when you should tune off of social media or shut the TV off.
📱 Use the screen time setting on your Apple device. The settings let you limit your access to various apps based on time of day or time of usage.
👀 Take an eye break. Every 20 minutes or so, look away from screens and try to focus on something more distant. Taking a walk to grab a glass of water, or looking out the window are great alternatives.
📺 Don’t watch TV or movies in bed and avoid looking at your phone screen right before bed.
🍽️ Eat your meals without a screen.
