NEW GAS STOVE WOULD EASE DANGER.

Byline: Kathleen Cole Daily News Staff Writer

Not until the late 1950s did researchers discover that the cause of ``infant blindness'' - a condition then experienced by most premature babies - was the high concentration of oxygen they were exposed to in the incubator.

For Anna Martinez, the cause of the affliction or even its name - retinopathy of prematurity - aren't important. She just knows that, as a preemie born in 1952, her retinas are irreparably damaged and that her poor vision is only worsening with time.

``I was a sickly child, but when my parents moved us to California, I got healthier,'' Martinez said. ``I lived a normal childhood, going to public schools. I didn't know I was different.''

Martinez's progressing blindness has not stopped her from living a full life. She married for love 23 years ago, and she and her husband, Raymond, have two grown children. Raymond's salary as a 36-hour-a-week security guard covers the rent on the family's home, but doesn't allow many extras.

Because the family doesn't own a car, Anna's outside activities are limited to those within walking distance or, like church, to which she can beg a ride. Still, she takes joy in what she is able to do.

``The yard is landscaped. I enjoy taking care of it,'' Martinez said. ``My favorite flower is the marigold, but I also like to grow herbs for cooking. I love to cook

''

But cooking at the Martinez house is difficult. The gas range is so old, the burners and the oven have to be lighted with matches - a difficult and dangerous task, given her poor eyesight.

``I would really like a new gas stove,'' she said.

In addition to gardening and cooking, Martinez enjoys attending classes sponsored by Visually Handicapped Adults of the Valley, one of the agencies participating in this year's Season of Sharing project. Co-sponsored by the Daily News and the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council since 1990, the program has generated nearly $200,000 for local charities, with thousands of readers donating money and merchandise to help make the holidays brighter for their less-fortunate neighbors.

Visually Handicapped Adults, founded 24 years ago, relies on private donations and government grants to provide classes, job training and transportation for clients in the San Fernando Valley.

``In my opinion, the most important class we offer is orientation and mobility,'' said Executive Director Joe Crise, who is blind himself. ``We have a specialist who teaches our students how to find their way around using a walking stick. This is very important for their independence and self-confidence.

``Costs keep going up,'' Crise said, ``but our funding doesn't. We service over 100 visually impaired people, most of whom are elderly. We are always in need of cash donations and volunteers.''

Crise was effusive in his praise of Martinez, who has been volunteering, as well as participating in agency programs for three years.

``Anna Martinez is always cheerful and friendly and tries to help and support the center no matter what her own problems may be,'' he said. ``She gives back so much more than she takes.''

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PHOTO Ceramics fan Anna Martinez, who is visually impaired, must use matches to light her gas stove burners and oven.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News