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Eye doctor speaks at Golden K

Guest speaker Dr. Beau Poquette with Orice Walters, Golden K program chairwoman.

KINGSFORD — For those who forgot about Monday, let me refresh your memory — it rained, the wind blew and it rained again. What appeared to be a dismal day soon turned into a bustling, chatty group of Golden K members filing into the fellowship hall at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, making all signs of the rain disappear.

It does not take Alyce Derwinski long to pull up the bench, set up her music and signal Jim Verrette to begin directing. The coffee had been poured, the doughnuts selected and the songs sung. Ben Determan as chairman brought the meeting to order.

Dr. Beau Poquette, optometrist, was welcomed as guest speaker. Mary Jane Nelson, having just celebrated her birthday Oct. 20, pulled out the winning ticket for the 50-50 drawing, making her day complete. Not to be out done was Doug Machus, who celebrated his birthday Oct. 22, with John Jamar right behind him celebrating his birthday, Oct. 24. Happy Dollars reflected people “happy” just because, with the exception of John Corson. Being a native of Boston, he wasn’t happy for the Yankees loss in the American League Championship.

Orice Walters, as program chairwoman, introduced Dr. Poquette. His office is on Kent Street in Iron Mountain. He and his wife — also an optometrist — are busy working and raising three children. Poquette worked with Dr. Siegler before taking over the business, now Northern Eye Care Associates.

He spoke to the issue of the blue light. With technology being a large part of everyday life for all ages, the blue light syndrome has become a major player in eye care.

Blue light is a high-energy light emitting from electronic devices that can damage eyes. Eyes can block UV rays from penetrating all the way back to the retina. Artificially created indoor light and electronic devices are rapidly increasing the amount of blue light exposure. Eyes cannot naturally block blue light from reaching all the way back to the retina and causing damage after prolonged exposure.

Poquette’s concern about the blue light led him to develop glasses designed to be worn over prescription glasses or just by themselves. These glasses filter the effects of exposure of the blue light. Whether going in or out, the glasses transition quickly, with less time for eyes to recover. UPLAND Company makes these glasses and the Golden Kers got to try them out. Poquette also donated a few glasses to a Golden K member or two.

Age plays a part in degeneration, as well as prolonged exposure for those who use electronic devices daily.

Macular degeneration, wet-dry, cataracts, blurred vision, glare rom blue light headlights, LED lights, foggy vision, floaters and small print were several problems he covered as well.

Always check with your optometrist for the newest and best methods to care for your eyes.

The Golden K will meet Monday. The Golden Throats will sing Nov. 6 at Victorian Pines.

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