A study published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics examined the connections between John Lennon’s myopia, contact lens use, and cannabis use. Myopia happens when the cornea has a drastic curve and the entire eyeball elongates. It usually results in nearsightedness. Lennon had a significant case of myopia and moderate astigmatism (an imperfection in the cornea curvature). He claimed cannabis use helped keep his contact lenses in place, and this study indicated that his claim may be accurate.
Queensland University of Technology researcher Dr. Stephen Vincent and his wife, fellow optometrist Dr. Roz Vincent, analyzed Lennon’s contact lens experience from 1963 to 1966. They reviewed early photos, video footage, and accounts from Lennon, his first wife Cynthia, fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, and his lifelong friend and first manager Nigel Walley.
Lennon’s astigmatism (imperfect cornea curvature) complicated his contact lens use. The research suggested that Lennon commonly experienced lens ejection. Poor lens alignment with the cornea along the vertical meridian and the interaction between Lennon’s upper eyelid and a rigid lens caused lens ejection.
Lennon reported that his contact lenses stayed in place after cannabis consumption. Cannabis may have triggered upper eyelid ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), which stops the lens ejection.
Contact lens modification can minimize problems such as lenses falling out, but early 1960s lens manufacturing lacked the advanced technology needed to produce custom lenses for irregular eye shapes. Lens manufacturers mainly used polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic material to make contacts. Customization became more advanced in the decades to follow.
Lennon had myopia from a young age, but he seldom wore glasses in public as a young man. He instead wore PMMA contact lenses during public appearances (from late 1963 to 1966). The researchers believe that Lennon’s contact lens experience helped pave the way to his later signature bespeckled style.
Sources: Eureka News Alert, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, Queensland University of Technology