THE OTHER POWER OF GLASSES

Of course, the primary purpose of glasses is to improve our vision, but there is evidence to suggest that eyewear also has the power to influence how others perceive us and even how we perceive ourselves. While the eyes may be the windows to the soul, glasses may be the windows to the person. When we first meet someone, our brains make instant judgements based on physical characteristics, behaviour and other small elements of which we are not even consciously aware. Within seconds, impressions are formed on characteristics including personality, work ethic, potential for success and trustworthiness. Eyewear is one of the factors that has an impact on that first impression.

High Intelligence

Whether it's true or not, wearing glasses implies that people read more often, suggesting that they are more intelligent and more successful. Even though the connection between wearing glasses and being smart is not necessarily valid, the opinions and decisions of people who wear glasses are taken more seriously. One study found that when the participants were shown images of males, they matched the pictures of the males wearing glasses with occupations associated with high levels of intelligence, for example physician or professor. The findings of another study revealed that even children as young as 8 years old make this connection and it strengthens with age. The older a child gets the more likely they are to depict someone wearing glasses when asked to draw a scientist.

Honesty

People who wear glasses are perceived to be honest because glasses accentuate the eyes, drawing people into them and giving the impression of trustworthiness. A psychologist at the University of Vienna reported that while people who wear rimless glasses seemed more trustworthy, they were perceived as being less distinctive.

Strength versus vulnerability

		Men who wear glasses lose out on the impression of strength, but from a more positive point of view, their apparent level of threat is reduced. On the other hand, glasses reflect some level of frailty, conveying the message that 'nobody's perfect' and making the wearer seem more approachable. This humanising effect is an advantage in the workplace, particularly in a position of leadership.

Social class

A French study found that wearing glasses gives the impression that the wearer comes from a higher social class, perhaps associated with a higher level of intelligence and education.

Boost your confidence

It is not simply a matter of the way others perceive us; glasses can shape the way we see ourselves. A fascinating study had people take intelligence tests, both wearing glasses and not. It found that while wearing glasses did not actually improve the test scores, it did make the subjects believe that they had performed better.

Brand logos

		By wearing glasses displaying brand logos, you may be perceived as sophisticated and fashion conscious, self-aware and confident. But, if the logos are worn to make an obvious impression, you may be judged to be anxious to be seen wearing the 'right' brands so as not to be rejected by others. The higher price of certain brands may signal the status, sophistication and prestige of the wearer.

Memorable

Whatever your personal style, glasses can help to define, create and emphasise a signature look and become a recognisable feature of your personality. Glasses-wearers with a distinctive style stand out in a crowd and are perceived as unique and memorable. This is clearly demonstrated by celebrities such as John Lennon, Jackie Kennedy and Elton John, who sometimes took it to extremes!

Sunglasses

Glasses are worn in the most important area of the face in terms of non-verbal communication. Sunglasses block the eyes, creating the impression that the wearer is either mysterious and interesting or secretive and trying to hide something. Or could it simply be that he or she is a celebrity trying to avoid being spotted by the paparazzi or the public?

Children's views on glasses

		While glasses are not as relevant to children as they are to adults, studies have shown that their views on people who wear glasses tend to be in line with the negative stereotype. Children without glasses are generally considered to be better looking than those who wear glasses, but glasses-wearers are perceived as having superior intelligence. Fictional role models like Harry Potter have had a positive influence on these perceptions. Research on children's views of their own glass-wearing has generally found that wearing glasses has little effect on the self-concept of children, suggesting that glasses wearing isn't that important to the way they perceive themselves. However, there have been some fears expressed of bullying in schools with more hostile social environments.

First impressions count

First impressions are largely based on stereotypes which are ingrained powerful regulators of behaviour. The perception of people wearing glasses as more intelligent and trustworthy, coupled with the extensive and exciting range of available frames has prompted millions of young people throughout the world to wear glasses even if they have perfect vision. This may be to create a persona they wish to show to the world, to manipulate their image to suit the environment or situation or to make a fashion statement with glasses as an added accessory. Once chosen, the glasses further reinforce that desired impression.