Remember back in grade school when the kid with the glasses always seemed to have the answers and the best grades? Word got around quickly that the kids with glasses are smarter than the rest of us. You may be surprised to learn that there may actually be some truth behind the theory that people who wear glasses are more intelligent.
A University of Edinburgh study determined that intelligence and poor eyesight go hand-in-hand. Intelligent people are 30% more likely to have poor eyesight. The study was published in Nature Communications, a medical journal. The study included more than 300,000 people aged 16 – 102. The study analysis concluded that “significant genetic overlap between general cognitive function, reaction time, and many health variables including eyesight, hypertension, and longevity.”
So, smart people can’t see worth a flip. But, where they lack in vision, they excel in other areas of their health. For example, lung cancer and depression risks are lower amongst those with poor cognitive function, or poor eyesight. Others also perceive people who wear glasses as smarter, honest, and more dependable than others. You may notice that defendants in criminal matters wear glasses during trials and when they appear before a judge. This strategy aims to give the illusion that the person couldn’t have committed the crime. It’s a ‘nerd defense,’ if you will. Others also use glasses as props when they want to present the image that the wearer is smarter than average.
The truth is, eyeglasses are no longer worn only for corrective vision. Many people wear non-prescription glasses as a symbolism of intelligence. They’re a fashion accessory, often adorned by hipsters, that gives people plenty to talk about. And so they do. Some people love it, and others hate the idea of wearing glasses unnecessarily. Even fashion magazine editors come down hard on the trend.
Wherever you stand on the issue, what does not change is the fact that intelligent people wear glasses more often than not. So while you may not actually become smarter by merely wearing glasses, you’ll definitely give off the impression to those around you.