John Lennon's Cannabis Use May Have Aided His Vision: Australian Study
The research highlights the limitations of early contact lens technology and provides an unexpected insight into the potential effects of cannabis use on vision correction.
New research from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has shed light on John Lennon's little-known use of contact lenses in the 1960s, suggesting an unexpected link between his cannabis use and vision correction.
Professor Stephen Vincent from QUT's Centre for Vision and Eye Research examined Lennon's contact lens experience from 1963 to 1966. His study reveals that Lennon, who had astigmatism, struggled with the rigid contact lenses available at the time.
Intriguingly, Professor Vincent's research corroborates Lennon's own observations about his cannabis use. As Professor Vincent explains:
"However, John also noticed his contact lenses stayed in place better when he was 'stoned', which was most likely a result of cannabis-induced upper eyelid ptosis (droopy eyelids), which would reduce the likelihood of lens ejection."
The study, titled "You've got to hide your myopia away: John Lennon's contact lenses," is published in the September edition of the journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. It analysed various historical sources, including early photos, video footage, and anecdotes from Lennon's inner circle.
Professor Vincent's interest in the topic stemmed from his own experiences with Beatles' music. He states:
"I was brought up on The Beatles' 1962-1966 album (the Red Album), so my enduring mental image from childhood is John Lennon without glasses."
The research highlights the limitations of early contact lens technology and provides an unexpected insight into the potential effects of cannabis use on vision correction. However, Professor Vincent notes that modern contact lens technology has significantly improved since Lennon's era, with better options now available for conditions like astigmatism.
While this study offers a unique historical perspective, it's important to note that it doesn't advocate for cannabis use as a vision aid. As Australia continues to explore medical cannabis applications, studies like this serve as reminders of the complex interactions between cannabis and human physiology.
Study. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/opo.13351
