Study of Reading Habits

This is sort of a shot in the dark:


In the first stanza, the author makes a note that he is happy to be making a sacrifice (his vision, which I will get to later) for the sake of reading. 
I'm not sure what to make of the second stanza at all. Obviously his eyesight worsens, and questionable deeds become a carefree pastime. 
In the final stanza he seems to have become one of the "dirty dogs" he formerly criticized, legitimizing his final statement that reading hasn't bettered his lifestyle or instilled any sort of wisdom upon him. 

I think the vision metaphor serves to demonstrate how reading seems to have warped the author's vision, or outlook on things. Looking at the world through the fuzzy lenses of an avid reader, he believed that he could be a hero, much like many of his beloved protagonists. 

I'm interested in hearing what everyone thinks of certain choices ("meringues," for example). 
I don't understand this part at all: "the chap/Who's yellow and keeps the store/Seem far too familiar." Any input? 

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