Why does/did Elton John wear such crazy gles and when/why did this start for him?

Elton first started wearing gles to emulate one of his childhood heroes, Buddy Holly, even though he really didn't need them. Turns out by wearing them, his eyes got fouled up and he ended really becoming nearsighted. The gles also became part of his stage persona, as he was very shy and was able to "hide" behind the crazy sungles and such. Of course, the flamboyancy, and after a very repressed childhood, led him to all the crazy antics and outfits he became famous for.