The Eyes Have It

I completed an interesting experiement today. Well, its interesting if you’re a total dork like me, that is. But then again, you’re actually choosing to read this cruft, so what does that say about you?

Anyway, back to my experiement. I had read an article about Amar Bose. Bose, genius inventor of Bose speaker fame, is in his mid-70’s and has great eyesight, which he credits to eye exercises he does each day. Eyes are muscles like any other muscles, I suppose, so why couldn’t you strengthen them with exercise? Just for fun, then, I thought I’d see how long I could go without wearing my glasses or contacts.

Last I had my vision tested, it showed 20/60 or so, uncorrected. So I’m not blind without glasses, but my vision isn’t perfect, either. But its tolerable.

I didn’t begin my day thinking today was the start of my experiment. I think sleeping on the couch last night put me away from my habit of unthinkingly grabbing my glasses upon waking. Thus, I began my day away from my glasses and really didn’t think about them until later.

I read the paper just fine and saw what I needed to in the room without much strain. In fact, the thought of not seeing well really didn’t cross my mind. It was kind of neat. And empowering.

After our morning walk was the first time I “rememhered” that I wasn’t wearing my glasses. By that time, though, I was thoroughly enjoying seeing out of my own, unaided eyes. My goal of a full day of seeing with my own eyes was a sure thing from that point on.

Tomorrow I’ll have to drive to work, and because the law says I have to wear glasses when driving, I’ll have them on. I’ll wear them throughout work, too, more than likely.