Short-sighted people are brainier than those with 20/20 vision say scientists

Glasses-wearers are smarter than those with perfect vision, according to researchers at Mainz University in Germany.

According to The Times, scientists in the department of ophthalmology at the German university found that short-sighted people were more likely to be brighter and better educated than people who don't need glasses.

Researchers were investigating the increase in myopia across Europe, which is as high as 50 per cent in groups of professionals over the age of 40.

The study looked at 3,452 people, giving them eye examinations and intelligence tests and recorded their age and level of investigation.

The research paper said: 'A higher cognitive ability was identified in myopes compared with non-myopes.'

But the experts said there was a closer link between intelligence levels and length of time spent in education.

Duration of education is also linked with near-work, where proximity to books and screens can have an impact on eye health.

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