The hallways are filled with students looking more studious than ever, thanks to help of their new accessory: glasses. The different available frames say different things about people. The big thick frames are more indie, while smaller, square-shaped frames are more efficient. Some students even fill the frames with clear Plexiglas to give the illusion of glasses without the prescription. All of these are efforts to change ones’ appearance and the world’s perception of them.

 “I wore fake glasses as a fashion statement to show that I was intelligent,” senior Zach Ashford said.

For the most part, even fake glasses-wearers use Plexiglass in their glasses to make them appear real. No one wants to be called out on wearing fake glasses.

 “I think fake glasses are really lame,” senior Minna Azizi said, “especially the ones without glass in the frames at all.”

Glasses have the ability to completely change how you look. Something about a set of frames can alter your facial structure without anyone even noticing. Often times, people wearing glasses are perceived as more intelligent and disciplined. They are a massive advantage when applying for jobs or internships as they give the perception of a large work ethic.

“I hate the look of glasses,” junior Christina Wu said. “The only way I will wear mine is if I am feeling too lazy to put my contacts in. But for me, it is not a fashion statement, but a necessity.”

It is a surprise to find that the majority of people actually do need some form of eye enhancement, due to eyesight problems. Most conditions are undiagnosed, while many people choose to wear contacts.

“I wear my glasses to make me look smarter,” junior Brandon Jefferson said.

At a time, glasses were hardly a trend, but a phase that a select few of kids had to outgrow. Until they were old enough to graduate to contacts, those kids were subjected to the cruelty of wearing glasses. Glasses were a way to distinguish the nerds from the cool kids. Harsh nicknames like “four eyes” were given to kids who wore glasses. However now, society does not ostracize glasses-wearers, but celebrates them. Now, social classes are not separated by headgear, as the lines between social status are slowly getting blurred. As we grow older, everyone becomes more and more alike.

“I think it is cool that glasses are hip, especially fake ones,” junior Hannah Flansburg said. “We all sort of share a secret obsession with glasses.”