I got my first glasses at age 10; can't remember whether it was the school or my parents that prompted an eye exam. I too was thrilled to be able to see the LEAVES on the trees, never mind the veins, but had no trouble with vertigo. My husband is equally nearsighted, and got his glasses at 7; our daughter got her first glasses at about 12; her brother, at 14, still tests 20-20. We are beginning to wonder if he is actually related to the rest of us.