Here's Looking At You, Kid

Someone once asked how our ancient ancestors (think “people hunting mastodons”) got along without wearing glasses. If they got along ok for however many millions of years, why can’t we?

They did not have to read bank statements, telephone books or newspapers. They had nothing to focus on closer than the cooking fire. Their work was at a distance, so their eyes needed to see only far off.

So are we using our eyes for what they were never designed for? When you look around at how many people have frames balanced on their noses when they are reading, you might think so. Except for people who are nearsighted and can’t see ten feet beyond their nose without a couple of Coke bottle bottoms in front of their eyes.

So has Mother Nature (known worldwide as “God”) created some of us to be the lookout people, always vigilant for the next mastodon, the next enemy? Has God also created some to be the people who stay within the confines of home, to be the readers, the cleaners, those whose excellent near-vision is needed?

Or are we supposed to invent a means to even the playing field, something that will allow the far-sighted to see close, and the near-sighted to see distant? A very religious person might say we are violating God’s will; those born such should remain such. The rest of us, those with any brains at all, regularly visit our optometrist.