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A new Children's Book on Blindness

An image from the book on blindness described in article.The majority of children, naturally, know very little about disabilities. Ignorance can lead young people to mistreat other youngsters who are living with hearing, vision loss and blindness. Author Andrew Stoner decided to take it upon himself to help kids better understand what it's like to live with blindness.

Stoner's new children's book, "Mr. Lollypop Makes A Friend," is a children's book about Mr. Flapjack Lollypop. The protagonist helps a cat named Rufus, a feline that he believes is blind and needs help. Stoner knows what it's like to live with blindness because he is blind.

"I walk around with a white cane and everyone can tell I'm blind," Stoner said. "I get all sorts of questions about my blindness and about how I go about my everyday life so I thought this was a good way to let people know what it's like."

San Diego Center for the Blind can help you or a loved one living with vision loss or blindness. Please reach out to us to learn more about our programs and services.

Children's book educates kids about blindness


Posted in Blind Library - Books | View Post

Methanol Poisoning Can Lead to Blindness

Hand sanitizer pumped into a bare hand can cause blindness in rare case it contains methanolWarning: methanol can be toxic to humans when ingested, inhaled, and absorbed through the skin. During a global pandemic that involves a potentially deadly virus, it's vital to wash or sanitize your hands regularly. Safe and effective hand sanitizers contain 60 percent or more of isopropyl alcohol.

Unfortunately, a company is making hand sanitizers with methanol. The Mexico-based Eskbiochem SA de CV sells nine types of sanitizers containing methanol that are harmful to unsuspecting users. Toxic levels of methanol can cause blindness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory to consumers to avoid methanol-based hand sanitizers.

"Methanol is not an acceptable ingredient for hand sanitizers," the FDA wrote. With use of hand sanitizers at a high amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency advised that anyone who has used the methanol-containing products "seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning."

Please contact SDCB if you are living with vision loss or blindness. We offer several programs that can improve your life quality.

Toxic methanol that causes blindness found in hand sanitizers, FDA warns


Posted in Vision Loss | View Post

Isolating Times for People Who Are Deafblind

A woman who is deafblind sits with another woman who is helping her during the pandemicThese are isolating times for billions of people around the globe. Stay at home orders, and social distancing recommendations are inherently lonely for anyone, but they can be especially challenging for people living with disabilities such as deafness or blindness.

Dawnelee Wright of Thunder Bay, Ontario, lives with deafblindness and has found the COVID-19 pandemic to be a real struggle. Her situation highlights the importance of assisting and supporting people living with vision loss during these troubling times. A service in her area is helping; they've sent a professionally trained guide to support and communicate with Wright.

"Let's say I want to do some cooking. She'll help me with the recipe. If I wanted to help the kids with homework she would read it to me so I could assist them," said Wright.

SDCB is dedicated to helping people living with vision loss and blindness; please contact us to learn how we can help.

Deafblind woman felt isolated because of COVID-19 pandemic

Posted in Blindness and Society | View Post

Assistive Technology for the Blind With 3D Geometry

Blocks of different shapes and colors illustrate geometry and Assistive Technology for the Blind3D printing is always coming up with new assistive devices to help those who are visually impaired. Geometry is a very difficult subject to understand for many, and even more so when you can't see. 

Now, the 3D printing of "geoboards" will help teach blind and visually impaired students about the mathematics needed to calculate area and volume of 3D objects. Though other types of tech have been available, many parts of the world have had trouble accessing affordable options. These geoboards may open up new doors for many. 

Please contact SDCB if you are living with vision loss or blindness. We offer several innovative programs that can improve your quality of life.

3D Printed Plastic Geoboards Teach Visually Impaired Students About Geometry



Posted in Accessibility, Assistive Technology, Vision Loss Technology & Products | View Post

Smart City Projects Gaining Popularity

A view of the Warsaw skyline - the city is implementing a smart city projectA few cities around the world are trying "smart city projects". The projects implement a combination of technology to aid those with visual impairments and other physical disabilities to traverse the city more easily. 

The technology enables a person who is blind or visually impaired to recognize people, bank notes, places, and navigate more easily without needing assistance from another human. 

Warsaw, Poland is currently implementing some of this technology. We're interested to see the results of their work. 

San Diego Center for the Blind can help you regain some of your independence if you are dealing with vision loss. Please contact us to learn more.

How Smart Cities Could Help The Visually Impaired



Posted in Accessibility | View Post

Healthy Vision Care

An older woman sits in the park wearing sunglasses to promote healthy visionAs we age, changes occur in our bodies, including our eyes. While many issues that can crop up can't be prevented, there are some key care areas for your eyes that may help to keep them healthier as long as possible. 
  1. Replace makeup regularly, don't share eye makeup and avoid store samples
  2. Protect your eyes from the sun with quality sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays
  3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  4. Prioritize sleep
If you require help with vision impairment or blindness, please contact SDCB. 

7 Everyday Tricks to Protect Your Eyesight As You Age



Posted in Eye Health and Preventing Disease | View Post
Contact Lens Care

Contact Lens Care Essential to Eye Health

A contact lens on a woman's outstretched handWith approximately 45 million Americans wearing contact lenses, it's scary to think that many haven't been told proper care information, or, at least, they haven't properly heard and absorbed it. 

One-third of contact wearers over the age of 18 don't remember ever being given care information for their eyes and contacts. Nearly 20% remember only very minimal information. Yet, the majority of care providers say they give the needed instructions on a regular basis. 

What are the important care tips everyone needs to know?
  1. Always wash and dry hands before handling contact lenses
  2. For reusable lenses, always wash and store as dictated by doctor or provider
  3. Store lenses in the proper case, wash case between uses and allow to dry
  4. Use only products to clean and store lenses that are recommended for that purpose
  5. Maintain regular appointments
San Diego Center for the Blind can help you regain some of your independence if you are dealing with vision loss. Please contact us to learn more.

Patients Aren't Hearing Contact Lens Care Information



Posted in Eye Health | View Post

Diet and Age-Related Macular Degeneration 

Macular Degeneration causes linked to diet, healthy breakfast pictured here Previous studies have shown fruit and vegetables high in vitamins and other nutrients can be good for your eyes and your vision, just as they are good for most other parts of your body!

Now, a new study tackles the issue of whether some foods may be bad for your eyes; specifically, it tackles if food choices impact the progression of AMD.

It may come as no surprise that researchers found a correlation between diets that are high in red meat, fried foods, dairy and refined grains and the progression of AMD. They did not find a correlation between these foods and early stage AMD. From this, it appears that these foods may worsen progress, but don't have an impact on developing AMD initially. 

If you require help with vision impairment or blindness, please contact SDCB.

Food Choices May Influence Risk for Blindness


Posted in Eye Disease - Macular Degeneration | View Post

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine May Reduce Errors

Artificial intelligence in medicine may improve old tests like the eye chart pictured Diagnostic errors during routine eye exams may sit as high as 74%. The classic eye chart with letters on a wall has been used for decades and the results are up to the ophthalmologist to decipher and interpret leading to errors in both interpretation and diagnosis of problems. 

Artificial Intelligence may make this process less prone to errors. It is still in early stages of testing, but initial results are promising for a way forward that will reduce errors in diagnosis that may keep people from the treatment they need.

San Diego Center for the Blind can significantly assist you or a loved one living with blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

AI Model Drastically Reduces Eye Exam Errors



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Accessible Art Must be Felt 

Oil paints in orange pink and purple up close, the texture would be felt as Accessible ArtPaintings hanging in museums have long been "no touch" zones. There have been multiple efforts to recreate paintings for people who are visually impaired to experience.

Now, a new method uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to recreate large portions of a painting in such a detailed manner that even the individual brush strokes are recreated. 

Because OCT was originally created for medical research, it is typically used for very small areas. The team recreating artworks has put together a method for scanning larger areas that is time consuming, but will have great application for museums who want to create more inclusive spaces.

If you require help with vision impairment or blindness, please contact SDCB. 

New Art Scanning Method Offers 3-D Image of Painting's Brush Strokes


Posted in Accessibility | View Post

Macular Degeneration Research Yields Results

In 2017, a team in Europe found a transformative therapy for a young boy with serious skin damage to 80% of his body. Now scientists are building on the gene therapy that was used for that child to tackle macular degeneration. 

With 200 million people impacted by macular degeneration world wide, a breakthrough of this sort would make a significant difference. 

“We believe that near-infrared stimulation is an important step towards providing useful vision to blind patients so that they can regain their ability to read or see faces,” said Daniel Hillier, head of the junior research group Visual Circuits and Repair at DPZ. 

San Diego Center for the Blind can help you regain some of your independence. Please contact us to learn more.
 

Blindness Cure in Sight



Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Mutated Gene in Fish Helpful for Homocystinuria


A blind cave fish has no eyes and may help researchers with HomocystinuriaThe Mexican Cavefish lives in caves with little oxygen and no light. With this habitat, the fish mutated from another species and has no eyes. In fact, with this mutation, blood flow is cut off to the eyes during embryonic development. 

Scientists have been studying the fish to learn more about the human disease homocystinuria which causes blindness and other problems for humans. Now that the specific gene mutation has been identified, scientists hope it will help in solving homocysinuria. 

Please contact SDCB if you are living with vision loss or blindness. We offer several innovative programs that can improve your quality of life.

Creepy Eyeless Fish Have Bizarre Genes That Could Someday Reverse an Incurable Human Disease


Posted in Research | View Post

Childhood Glaucoma Needs Early Intervention

A doctor examines a child's eyesSadly, millions of children worldwide face vision loss and blindness; in a large number of cases, babies are born without the gift of sight. While glaucoma is most commonly associated with adults, children are impacted by the condition as well. In such cases, treatment is vital because permanent vision loss can result from amblyopia and corneal scarring.

Early diagnosis is vital owing to the fact that children can lose vision quickly from glaucoma. However, if treatment is successfully performed early enough, vision loss can be averted.


If you are struggling with glaucoma, please contact San Diego Center for the Blind. We offer many programs that can help.


Pediatric glaucoma: types, tests and treatments

 
Posted in Glaucoma | View Post

Eye App Helps Early Detection 

A doctor examines a patient's eyeDiabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness on the planet. In fact, the condition is the number one cause of new blindness in working-age adults. Early detection is key to preventing further problems. According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy affects between 40 and 45 percent of American diabetics.

Diabetic retinopathy impacts the lives of many people in developing countries, which is why researchers have been seeking inexpensive solutions for early diagnosis. Researchers found that a special adapter for built-in smartphone cameras to image the retina produced the most precise view.

"The best result in our test was achieved by an adapter with an additional lens that is attached to the smartphone," says Dr. Maximilian Wintergerst from the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Bonn. "It allowed almost 80 percent of eyes with any retinal changes to be detected, even in the early stages. Advanced damage could even be diagnosed 100 percent of the time."

San Diego Center for the Blind can significantly assist you or a loved one living with blindness. Please contact us to learn more.

Modified smartphone detects early signs of diabetes-induced blindness


Posted in Eye Disease - Diabetic Retinopathy | View Post

An Artificial Eye?

A team of researchers led by Leilei Gu at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology may have achieved what was once thought impossible—the creation of an artificial eye. The implications this feat could have for people living with vision loss or blindness could be profound.

The researchers created a hemispherical arrangement of light-sensitive nanowires, which imitate photoreceptor cells in the human retina. Gu's device can produce images at higher resolutions than the human eye, not only helping humans but leading to advancements in robotics. The findings are published in the journal Nature.

Please contact SDCB if you are living with vision loss or blindness. We offer several innovative programs that can improve your quality of life.

Artificial eye has the potential to outperform human vision


Posted in Vision Loss Technology & Products | View Post

Eye Test Apps Examined 

A smartphone with app buttons of all different colors on a turquoise backgroundScientists are looking for ways to detect eye disease in earlier stages in countries with limited access to health care. 

A recent study examined four options for using smartphones for the purpose of diagnosing eye disease from diabetes. One of the options included an extra lens attached to a phone that was more effective than the other possibilities. Though there is still work to be done in this field, it's encouraging to see progress being made. 

San Diego Center for the Blind can help you regain some of your independence. Please contact us to learn more.
 
Scientists Find New Way to Detect Eye Disease Caused By Diabetes



Posted in Advocacy for Vision Impaired, Research, Vision Loss | View Post

Eye Strain Discussed

A cartoon of a man in front of a laptop wearing headphones With so many people using computers, phones and other screens much more than usual during this time, some people are feeling eye strain through out the day. Understandably, many are concerned about the long term impact of screen time and the associated eye strain. 

In a recent interview, a doctor discusses the impact of eye strain on your eyes, reassures that screen time alone will not damage your vision, and gives tips for relieving or minimizing eye strain. 
  • Take short breaks during which you look 20 feet in the distance for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to give your eyes a break
  • Use lubricating eye drops when your eyes feel tired or dry
Dark mode or blue light glasses may help with sleep cycles, though this doctor doesn't recommend them specifically for protecting your eyes. 

If you require help with vision impairment or blindness, please contact SDCB.

Dealing with Eye Strain



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A Blind Gamer Speaks Up

A sign stating Gamer ZoneSteve Saylor is known as the Blind Gamer. Years ago he started a YouTube channel on which he laughed about his bad computer game skills. After some discussions, he realized the problem wasn't his gaming skills, but the games themselves. 

His channel now features reviews and first impressions of games while also using the opportunity to tackle larger issues such as accessibility and ableism. 

Please contact SDCB if you are experiencing vision loss. We offer many programs and innovative services.

The Blind Gamer is Fighting for Accessibility in Video Games 



Posted in Living Blind, Visually Impaired | View Post

Vision Loss and Diabetes Can Go Hand-In-Hand

Vision Loss and Diabetes too often go togetherType-2 diabetes and vision loss often go hand-in-hand. It's a complicated disease that can be fatal if it isn't carefully monitored. A group of researchers wondered: "Could vision loss and the visual disturbances that diabetes patients experience be prevented?"

A 4-year study was conducted to assess the cumulative incidence of visual impairment and blindness and their determinants in well-characterized community-based people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that avoiding hypoglycemia may prevent vision loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes, preserving kidney function may prevent vision loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes, and smoking cessation may prevent vision loss among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

 
If vision loss or blindness is negatively affecting your life, please reach out to San Diego Center for the Blind. We can help!

Predicting Vision Loss in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes


Posted in Vision Loss | View Post

Stevie Wonder an Inspiration to All

Stevie Wonder on stage performingEvery American adult and many millions around the globe are familiar with the R&B sensation Stevie Wonder (Stevland Hardaway Judkins). Most people also know that he has been living with blindness since he was a baby, the result of being born premature and receiving too much oxygen in the incubator, which ultimately resulted in his retinas detaching. 

At the age of 70, he is still an inspiration to all of us, a man who never let blindness stand in his way. His unique style of music – combining soul, gospel, jazz, and R&B – influenced The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Prince, and Bob Marley. He once said:


"My mother always told me that I could do anything as long as I was careful."


If you are living with vision loss or blindness, the San Diego Center for the Blind can help you improve your life quality. Please contact us to learn more.


Soul legend Stevie Wonder at 70

 

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CDC Introduces Initiative During Healthy Vision Month

Healthy Vision Month promotes eye healthYour vision is of the utmost importance and preventing vision loss should be at the top of your priority list. May is Healthy Vision Month! Please schedule an appointment for an eye exam with your local ophthalmologist to make sure you're not at risk of problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Vision Health Initiative (VHI) offers several tips for steering clear of eye diseases down the road, including getting regular comprehensive dilated eye exams, learning your family history of eye diseases, eating healthy, and wearing sunglasses that block 99 percent-100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

Please contact SDCB if you are experiencing vision loss. We offer many programs and innovative services.

CDC - Healthy Vision Month - Vision Health Initiative (VHI)


Posted in Advocacy and Events | View Post

AMD-Research Promising

AMD-Research looks at new possibilities for eye careAge-related macular degeneration impacts the lives of millions of people around the globe. Vision loss is caused by inflammation in the eye that leads to excessive growth of blood vessels in the retina. Current therapies to slow the process are anti-VEGF therapies such as Regeneron and Bayer's Eylea.

A new study shows that Sanofi and Regeneron's drug Dupixent could be useful in treating AMD. The research team contends that immune molecule interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its receptor—which Dupixent inhibits—may be promising for those living with macular degeneration. IL-4 is known to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels.


"Our results show that IL-4 plays a crucial role in excessive blood-vessel growth by recruiting bone marrow cells that aid this growth to the lesion in the eye," said Takashi Baba, the study's co-first author.


If you require help with vision impairment or blindness, then please contact SDCB.


Could Sanofi and Regeneron's Dupixent also treat age-related macular degeneration?

 

Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Study Examines COVID-19's Impact on Visually-Impaired

photo of visually impaired-eyeballCOVID-19 has changed the lives of billions of people and stolen the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals across the globe. A new survey could shine a light on how men, women, and children living with vision loss are being affected by the pandemic. The investigation is being conducted by the organization Fight for Sight. 

The online survey will take no longer than a few minutes, and the results will be published later in 2020. Sherine Krause, Chief Executive at Fight for Sight, says:


"This is a challenging time for everyone, but we know from anecdotal evidence that the current pandemic and lockdown is having a particularly harsh effect on those living with eye conditions and sight loss. We know that science ultimately has the answer to so many challenges – the power of science will help us stop the pandemic in the coming months, and we are working to ensure it will also help us stop sight loss and blindness in the future. We urgently need the input of those affected so that we can understand how they have been impacted by Covid-19 and campaign on their behalf. The findings will also help us to make the case for the importance of eye research now and in the future."


SDCB can help you or a loved one regain their independence. Please contact us to learn more about our services.

New survey gains broader insights into the personal impact of Covid-19 on people with eye conditions


 

Posted in Visually Impaired | View Post

Early Macular Degeneration Treatment Important


An image illustrating doctors looking at Early Macular Degeneration TreatmentAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that affects older men and women, specifically those above the age of 50. AMD is the common cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly; the condition impacts the retina, the part of the eye responsible for central vision and sharpness.


Naturally, early detection of macular degeneration is critical; unfortunately, GlobalData epidemiologists found that less than half of AMD cases were diagnosed in 2019. This is not a novel phenomenon. A 2017 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology showed that a significant number of AMD cases go undetected and undiagnosed in the primary eye care setting.


Primary eye care doctors require better training on how to assess and diagnose AMD accurately.


If you or someone you love is having difficulties due to vision loss, then please reach out to SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.


More than half of age-related macular degeneration cases go undiagnosed in major pharmaceutical markets

 

Posted in Macular Degeneration | View Post

Google's Diabetic Blindness Detection Not Effective


Google is a global leader in innovation, and while they are most known for their search engine, the company creates several other devices to make our lives easier. In recent years Google has been working on and was able to create an artificial intelligence (AI) device to detect diabetic blindness early. The AI worked excellently in tests (90 percent accuracy in the lab); however, it proved to be less effective in the real world. 


The device was created to speed up diagnosis for diabetic blindness, from 10 weeks to 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the AI didn’t perform well at 11 clinics in Thailand. The theory behind the reduced efficacy is because the AI was trained on high-resolution images. It was discovered that the nurses in Thailand often had to scan dozens of patients quickly, and they did so in poor lighting conditions, which did not produce high-resolution images. The result was the AI rejecting over a fifth of the images. Google wrote that they still have to “study and incorporate real-life evaluations” before the AI can be widely deployed, adding:


“Since this research, we have begun to hold participatory design workshops with nurses, potential camera operators, and retinal specialists (the doctor who would receive referred patients from the system) at future deployment sites. Clinicians are designing new workflows that involve the system and are proactively identifying potential barriers to implementation.”


San Diego Center for the Blind can help you regain some of your independence. Please contact us to learn more.


Google admits its diabetic blindness AI fell short in real-life tests

 

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New Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy


Millions of people around the globe contend with Type II diabetes, a condition that can result in a number of health complications, including vision loss and blindness. However, a new study indicates that a possible treatment showed anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on the retina and optic nerve head. The findings, appearing in The American Journal of Pathology, showed promising results with type 2 diabetic retinopathy using animal models. The treatment

involves the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide Receptor Agonist Lixisenatide.

 

“Inflammation causes neurodegeneration as well as microvascular abnormalities in the retina,” explained lead investigator Jin A. Choi, Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea. “Diabetic retinal neurodegeneration can occur before the onset of clinical diabetic retinal microvascular abnormalities. Therefore, therapeutics for neurodegeneration may provide a novel interventional strategy in the window period between the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and the onset of clinically manifested diabetic retinopathy.”


Please reach out to San Diego Center for the Blind if you are struggling with vision loss or blindness. We provide many innovative programs that can improve your life quality.

New Potential Therapeutic Candidate Found for Early Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy



 

Posted in Eye Disease - Diabetic Retinopathy | View Post

Study on Retinopathy of Prematurity


An image of a baby who could benefit from new research into Retinopathy of Prematurity One of the challenges that premature babies face involves the eyes. A condition called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disorder that is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. However, treatment can prevent blindness in premature babies. 

A study conducted by the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, showed that a lower dose of a drug used to treat ROP could be more effective in preventing infant blindness. The drug is called Avastin (bevacizumab). The findings were published in JAMA Ophthalmology. 


"In the current study, we found that 0.004 mg of Avastin – a dose that's merely 0.6% of the dose used in the 2011 study of Avastin for ROP – may be the lower limit to be effective for most infants with ROP," said the new study's protocol chair, David Wallace, M.D., MPH, chair of ophthalmology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The findings set the stage for a randomized controlled trial comparing long-term effects of low-dose Avastin with laser therapy for treating ROP."


SDCB can help Southern Californians living with blindness lead more independent lives; please contact us to learn more.


Very low-dose Avastin effective for preventing blindness in preterm infants

 

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Eye Disease Research on Leaky Vessels


A new study shows why people living with an eye disease have leaky vessels and harmful swelling in their eyes. The findings could be a stepping-stone to the discovery of more effective treatments for various types of eye disease, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The researchers report that eye conditions that result in leaky blood vessels result in harmful swelling and progressive vision loss.

"Our findings provide an answer to the questions on how blood vessels leak and show that leakage can be stopped without killing the blood vessels," concludes senior author Lena Claesson-Welsh, Professor at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University. "Using this insight, we've begun testing drugs that could selectively block this leak-inducing step in the process. If this approach is effective, it could lead to new treatments that stop leaking without the harmful side effects of existing drugs."


San Diego Center for the Blind can assist you or a loved one with eye disease. Please contact us to learn more about the services we offer.


Scientists identify cause of leakiness in eye diseases
 

Posted in Research and Medical Advancements | View Post

Prevention of Common Eye Diseases

Sadly, not every eye disease can be prevented, and over 150 million Americans are living with a form of correctable vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. However, you can take actions today that can protect your vision and avoid complications down the road.

For instance, you can delay the development of cataracts if you buy 100 percent UV-blocking sunglasses. They can stave off retinal damage. An unhealthy diet and smoking tobacco can also negatively impact your vision. Researchers indicate that people whose diets include higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are less likely to develop AMD. The AAO reports that smoking is directly linked to age-related macular degeneration.


If you or a loved one require assistance for vision loss, then please contact SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.


Top Tips to Prevent Vision Loss

 

Posted in Eye Health and Preventing Disease | View Post

New Medications For Glaucoma?

A graphic with glaucoma written at the centerGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in America. The condition is caused by ocular hypertension; it damages the optic nerve resulting in vision loss. There is no known cure, but there are pharmacologic therapies and some invasive. One drug, latanoprost, is a standard first-line treatment for those newly diagnosed with glaucoma. However, the first line of defense does not mean it is the most effective treatment necessarily. 

Two new classes of drugs approved by the FDA have been introduced for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma—latanoprostene bunod and netarsudil. Using them in conjunction with previous medications could improve patient outcomes.


"What is unique about the netarsudil/latanoprost combination is this is really one of the first times we actually had a medicine go up against latanoprost alone," said Joseph F. Panarelli, MD, associate professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Medical Center. "Latanoprost is one of our bigger guns out there, so it is encouraging to see that we have these new medicines, and it's nice to see data that does support good efficacy with these different agents."


San Diego Center for the Blind offers several innovative vision rehabilitation services. Please contact us to learn more.


Pharmacologic treatment an option for open-angle glaucoma

 

Posted in Eye Disease - Glaucoma | View Post

Loss of an Inspirational Blind Teacher

An image of the blind teacher who died of COVID astride a camelBrian R. Miller, 52, was born with defective retinas and could barely see large text right in front of his face. Nevertheless, he was one of the first blind students to sit in classrooms with sighted students in California in the 1970s and 1980s.

Miller's blindness led him to dedicate his life to helping other students with disabilities. After high school, he went on to a career with the U.S. Education Department's Rehabilitation Services Administration to help others like him. Sadly, his life was cut short due to complications related to COVID-19.


Miller started exhibiting symptoms in mid-March, after returning from a trip to Jordan; in his life, he visited 45 states and 65 countries. He entered the hospital on March 28th, was put on a ventilator the next day, and died after he began bleeding internally and suffered organ failure.


"Brian believed strongly in the capacity of individuals with disabilities to engage in all aspects of life," Carol Dobak wrote in a message to department staff, Miller's direct supervisor, "and his own life was a reflection of this philosophy."


SDCB can help you or a loved one with vision loss or blindness. Please contact us to learn more about our organization.


Brian Miller, whose blindness inspired a career helping disabled students, dies of COVID-19

 

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Cataract Surgery Required For Savannah Guthrie

A close up of Savannah Guthrie who must have cataract surgery A short time ago, we wrote to you about an unfortunate accident involving a toy train and TODAY's Savannah Guthrie resulting in vision loss. Even though she had surgery to repair the damage, sadly, her vision is still "not great." 

While playing with her three-year-old son Charlie, the youngster accidentally hit his mother in the eye, which left a tear in her retina. Since her eyesight has not improved, she will have to have more operations, including cataract surgery. 


"When you have this retinal detachment, most people will end up developing cataracts, obviously at a much younger age than would normally be expected," she explained. "When you have cataracts, you get blurry spots and you notice it more and more. So I do."


Please contact San Diego Center for the Blind if you'd like to learn more about our visual rehabilitation programs and services.


Savannah Guthrie will need more surgery to fix eyesight after tear in her retina

 

Posted in Blind and Vision Impaired Famous | View Post

Louis Braille Prize Announced

Louis Braille prize award recipients picturedAmid the coronavirus pandemic it's helpful to receive some uplifting news from time to time. Lisa Dalton was honored this month with the Louis Braille Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation. She created reusable braille labels ("CanDo" labels) because her former boyfriend is blind. Dalton wanted to help him find things in food cabinets. Lisa founded Candoables, a company that uses 3-D printers to make Braille "CanDo" labels. 

"CanDo labels are already having an impact on the blind and visually impaired community," Brian Mac Donald, president of the National Braille Press, said in the release. "These reusable labels will help significantly in keeping areas such as the pantry or refrigerator organized."


Do you require assistance for vision loss or blindness? Please contact SDCB to learn about the ways we can help.


Queen Creek resident wins National Braille Press' Touch of Genius Award'

 

Posted in Braille | View Post

Google Launches Virtual Braille Keyboard for Android


An illustration of the new Android Braille KeyboardAt least 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). In response to those staggering numbers, the tech giant Google is launching a virtual braille keyboard for Android smartphones, which will help those who are living with low vision or blindness. Such individuals will be able to type without any additional hardware. 

Google worked together with braille developers and users to design a keyboard that can be used anywhere—social media, text messaging, and email apps. Here's how it works: the keyboard uses a standard 6-key layout, and each key represents one of 6 braille dots, which, when tapped, make any letter or symbol. A user will tap dot 1 to type the letter A, tap dots 1 and 2 to type the letter B, tap dots 1 and 4 to type the letter C, tap dots 1, 4, and 5 to type the letter D, and so on.


"Today, braille displays make typing accessible on most phones and computers through a physical braille keyboard. But it can be time-consuming to connect an external device each time you want to type something quickly on your phone," wrote Android Accessibility product manager Brian Kemler in a blog post. "As part of our mission to make the world's information universally accessible, we hope this keyboard can broadly expand braille literacy and exposure among blind and low vision people."


San Diego Center for the Blind assists Southern Californians in regaining some independence. Please contact SDCB to learn more.


Google launches braille keyboard for Android devices

 

Posted in Accessibility, Braille | View Post

Andrea Bocelli Performed Easter Sunday

Andrea Bocelli Performs on Easter Sunday for online viewing during the pandemicThe beloved Italian singer, Andrea Bocelli, performed in Milan, Italy, on Easter Sunday. The concert was performed via live stream from the Duomo, the cathedral of Milan. Many of you may know that Bocelli lives with blindness due to a football accident. Despite his vision loss, he has one of the most beautiful voices on the planet.

"I believe in the strength of praying together; I believe in the Christian Easter, a universal symbol of rebirth that everyone – whether they are believers or not – truly needs right now. Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth's pulsing heart, this wonderful international forge…"

 

If you are facing challenges related to vision loss or blindness, then we invite you to reach out to SDCB to learn more about our programs and services.


Andrea Bocelli: WATCH tenor's moving Music For Hope Easter concert from Milan in FULL

 

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iPhone Makes Blind Photography Easier


iPhone wants to make blind photography easier and illustrates how it will work in this sketchTaking photographs is a part of life; they are how we preserve our memories. However, for people living with vision loss and blindness, their conditions make snapping pictures a real challenge. Apple plans to make it easier for the visually impaired to take photos.

"[The iPhone may provide] an audible description of the scene," says the patent. "[The] audible description includes information that corresponds to the plurality of objects as a whole (e.g., 'Two people in the lower right corner of the screen,' or 'Two faces near the camera')."


Please reach out to SDCB if you require assistance with vision loss or blindness. We offer many programs that can help.


Future iPhone could talk vision impaired through taking a good photo

 

Posted in Assistive Technology | View Post

Warning: Eyes are Portals for Coronavirus Transmission


A man has his eyes checked - eyes can be involved in coronavirus transmissionCOVID-19 – the coronavirus quickly spreading around the world – has infected 1,288,372 people and taken 70,482 lives. It's essential that you understand the ways you can contract the potentially deadly virus. Dr. Bruce Miller, an ophthalmologist, wants men and women to be aware that the eyes can be doorways for the pathogen. It's vital to keep your fingers away from your eyes. If you wear contacts, then start using your eyeglasses again.


"A small percentage of people who test positive for the coronavirus has an associated pink eye or conjunctivitis," Miller says. He adds that, "your doctors are here either at home or via telemedicine, to answer your questions and to get you through this."


San Diego Center for the Blind offers vision rehabilitation services. Please reach out to learn how we can help you or a loved one.

Coronavirus and your eyes: An ophthalmologist shares 5 things you need to know

 

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Eye Health Month for Women

A close up of a woman's eye for women's eye health monthApril is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month! Did you know that women have higher rates of eye diseases and eye conditions than men? In order to raise awareness, Prevent Blindness – the nation's oldest non-profit eye health organization – declared the month of April as a time to educate women about how they can protect their vision. Women have higher rates of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataract, refractive error, and dry eye.


"Today, obviously there are significant challenges in maintaining overall health," said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. "We want to remind women of all ages that there are many ways to protect the gift of sight today so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come."


If your vision is compromised due to an eye condition, then SDCB can be of assistance. Please contact our organization to learn more about the programs and services we offer.


Prevent Blindness Declares April as Women's Eye Health and Safety Month

 

Posted in Advocacy and Events | View Post

Helen Keller Speech Advocated for Braille

An image of a Helen Keller speech in front of a crowdHellen Keller is a name that rings out in the blind community and beyond. We all learned about her remarkable feats in elementary school. Did you know that she fought hard to get Braille books into the hands of adults? She spoke to congress advocating for federally funded programs to help achieve her goal.

"Books are the eyes of the blind," Helen Keller told lawmakers.


Please contact SDCB to learn more about our vision rehabilitation programs and services.


Helen Keller's Powerful Pitch for Braille Books

 

Posted in Braille | View Post

Glasses Vs. Contacts During Pandemic

The Coronavirus impacts safety of glasses vs contactsThe COVID-19 pandemic is changing everyone's life in a myriad of ways. Those living with low vision or vision loss can benefit from taking out their contacts and putting their glasses back on. Doing so can help prevent the spread of the virus. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says it can help you stop touching your face.

"You rub your eyes, then rub your face, scratch your face, put your fingers in your mouth, put your fingers in your nose," said Dr. Thomas Steinemann, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Some people are not very hygienic and may have forgotten to first wash their hands."


San Diego Center for the Blind can assist you or a loved one with vision loss. Please contact us to learn more.


Do you wear contact lenses? You should switch to glasses to stop spreading the virus

 

Posted in Low Vision | View Post

Blind soprano proves no barriers to career

A man and blind soprano sing to each other on stageCristina Jones, a soprano singer and student at Cal State Fullerton is living with blindness. However, she doesn't let being blind stand in her way. How does one living with blindness manage on the stage without losing their place?

"If I got disoriented one of my cast mates might brush their foot on the floor or make some kind of sound to give me a beacon to go off of," Jones said. "Blindness was not a barrier. They would just say, let's figure out how to do this safely."


Please reach out to SDCB if you require assistance with vision loss or blindness. We offer many programs and services that can help.


Blindness is no barrier for soprano Cristina Jones

 

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New Phonetics For Blind Singers

Blind Singers now learn enunciation with braille phoneticsEarlier in the week, we wrote about Louis Braille and how he made adaptations for music and mathematics by adding extra symbols. Now, a professor at Vanderbilt University is helping blind aspiring classical singers pronounce lyrics. Cherie Montgomery, a voice professor, has created a new braille phonetic system.

Lacking the resources to teach a student lyric diction, Montgomery found a solution. She published a textbook, "Singer's Diction for Braille Readers," which includes a phonetic chart with visual and tactile symbols.

"[With the chart,] teachers can point to a symbol and say this is the sound you're making [and] I would like to hear for example this sound..." she said.

Please contact SDCB if you are struggling with vision loss and would like to have more independence.

"Professor develops braille symbols to help blind classical singers learn proper enunciation"



Posted in Braille | View Post

New Contacts for Color Blindness

blindnessA new type of contact lens could help people living with color blindness. Researchers say that they could help people with a form of red-green color blindness. The contact lenses restore lost color contrast. The research was published in The Optical Society journal Optics Letters.

"Glasses based on this correction concept are commercially available, however, they are significantly bulkier than contact lenses," said Sharon Karepov, a member of the research team, said. "Because the proposed optical element is ultrathin and can be embedded into any rigid contact lens, both deuteranomaly and other vision disorders such as refractive errors can be treated within a single contact lens."

Contact SDCB if you are struggling with vision loss, we have several programs that can help.

"These high-tech contacts may help correct color blindness"



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The Wonders of Braille
BrailleLouis Braille invented a tactile reading method for blind people in 1829. It enabled people who are living with blindness to read and write. Using Captain Charles Barbier’s “night writing” system, Braille made simplifications to Barbier’s 12 dot system. He reduced it to six dots.

Louis Braille’s six dot method for tactile reading and writing should not be confused with a language; it’s instead a code for reading and writing in every language. He even made adaptations for music and mathematics by merely adding extra symbols.

We invite you to contact SDCB if you are experiencing vision loss.

“Braille music notation: what does it look like, how does it work and who invented it?”



Posted in Braille | View Post
Protecting Against Vision Loss
vision lossRegular eye exams can prevent you from experiencing vision loss. During Save Your Vision Month, we would like to encourage you to prioritize your eye health. Naturally, the American Optometric Association would like you to do the same. Annual eye exams are essential!

“A lot of people view vision as very important, and would be very unhappy if they lost any part of their vision, but yet they don’t require much maintenance so therefore it doesn’t enter our thought process but it is an extremely valuable tool that we need to start taking better care of, and that is why we recommend those yearly eye exams for those things,” says Dr. Bill Holec, an Optometry Specialist. “We are always better catching things at an early stage rather than a later stage.”

Please reach out to SDCB if you require assistance with vision loss.

“March is Save Your Vision Month”



Posted in Vision Loss | View Post
Older Americans at Significant Risk of Vision Loss
vision lossThe number of older Americans at high risk for vision loss rose from 65 million to 93 million between 2002 and 2017, according to federal data. This news is concerning and should prompt more older people to get regular eye tests. The research appearing in JAMA Ophthalmology shows that those at significant risk of losing their sight include people with diabetes and anyone with eye or vision problems.

"The number of adults at high risk for vision loss is high and may continue to increase in the coming years with the increasing population of adults over 65 years and prevalence of diabetes," said study lead author Sharon Saydah, a senior scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please reach out to San Diego Center for the Blind if your life is impacted by vision loss.

"Rising Number of Older Americans at Risk of Vision Loss"



Posted in Vision Loss | View Post
Changes to our services due to Coronavirus
Concerns for the Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
  
Governmental guidance, epidemiologic evidence, and all our concerns regarding COVID-19 have registered with the leadership at the San Diego Center for the Blind. In order to ensure the safety and health of our clients, staff, volunteers and the general public SDCB has decided upon the current actions during this time.
  
All classes and other services to students and community members will cease today, Monday, March 16 2020. Face-to-face services will not resume until early April.  

We urge you to follow official advice and to remain safe and well. This includes proper cleansing of your hands, coughing and sneezing protocol and using common sense for social distancing.

Please call for updated information or questions regarding Classes, the Store and Low Vision Clinic.
 
San Diego 619-583-1542
Vista  760-758-5956
Low Vision Store 619-583-1542 x161
Low Vision Clinic 619-255-9741
Website:  www.sdcb.org
 
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Young Girl Escapes Vision Loss
vision lossIn January, we wrote about Jade DeLucia, a four-year-old girl in Iowa who experienced vision loss after contracting the flu. We are happy to report that Jade has regained her eyesight. Her mother, Courtney Frey, said in an update on Facebook recently:

"Jade's sight has fully returned! The miracles continue for her!!! She is not the great independent conversationalist who knows her numbers and letters, but we are continuing to believe and hope in her full recovery."

Please contact SDCB if you are experiencing vision loss and would like help.

"4-year-old who lost her vision after rare complication from the flu regains her eyesight"



Posted in Vision Loss | View Post
Millions of Americans at risk for Vision Loss
vision lossA new study published by JAMA Ophthalmology shows that a growing number of Americans are at exceptional risk for vision loss. A team of researchers from the U.S. CDC estimates that 93 million adults across the country were at increased risk for eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

"Among adults at high risk for vision loss, just over one half reported receiving eye care," the authors wrote. "Although the percentage has increased over the past 15 years, the increase has been modest, and disparities by race/ethnicity, poverty level, health insurance status, and U.S. region of residence remain."

Please contact San Diego Center for the Blind if you are struggling with vision loss.

"93M Americans at high risk for vision loss, CDC estimates"



Posted in Eye Health and Preventing Disease | View Post
Learning to Live With Blindness
blindnessAdjusting to life with blindness is not easy, and people need assistance along the way. Fortunately, there are many organizations like San Diego Center for the Blind across the country, helping countless individuals learn new skills. The Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living, for instance, is teaching people Braille and how to travel independently.

"It's to help people talk about who recently lost their vision," said Mark Tadder, blindness advocacy and resource officer. "So, they can talk to other folks who [have] been through or going through it now [and] come to grips with it and prepare for the future."

Please reach out to SDCB for assistance with blindness or vision loss.

"Peer support group available for those adjusting to blindness"



Posted in Blindness and Vision Impairment | View Post
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