Astigmatism is a word used to describe an eye that is not perfectly shaped. Dr. Kapperman describes astigmatism as being like glass in an antique window rather than the glass in a modern window. Antique glass is not perfect, and light can transmit in odd patterns, thus astigmatism distorts vision at all distances. Most people have a small amount of astigmatism, while a smaller number have enough to be symptomatic. Astigmatism can be cleared up easily with glasses as well as contact lenses.

Far-sighted individuals have poor near vision and struggle with reading, headaches induced by near tasks, and eye fatigue. Far-sighted individuals are often misdiagnosed or suffer silently not knowing that their complaints are related to vision. This is often the case because blur is not always the major symptom of far-sightedness. In children, observant teachers and parents are often the first to notice the problem. Early eye examinations of school-aged children are recommended to identify far-sightedness in a timely manner and help children start school on excellent visual footing. In adults, this problem can become symptomatic as they enter their mid-30s. Newly sensed eye fatigue should not be avoided and is a good indicator to schedule an eye exam. Far-sightedness can be cleared up with glasses and contact lenses.

Near-sighted individuals have poor distance vision. Near-sighted individuals are typically diagnosed as school-aged children when they report difficulty seeing the front of the classroom. Other typical complaints include blur while driving, watching television, and playing or watching sports. Near-sightedness is easily corrected with glasses and contact lenses.

As we mature, all individuals notice a change in the way their eyes handle near vision. These changes are normal and are caused by changes to the lens in our eye. Changes in the lens with time are very consistent among all individuals. The lens starts out clear and flexible, with time, both clarity and flexibility decrease. Around the age of 40, the flexibility has decreased enough to require some help with reading. By the age of 50, the lens is becoming less clear and the flexibility has decreased enough to require full-time reading help. As a person approaches their late 60s, the lens has lost all flexibility and many individuals will start to observe the effects of cataracts. Symptoms include glare while driving at night, color distortion, and a haze that does not clear up with glasses or contact lenses. Age-related reading problems can be addressed with glasses that correct vision at all distances and cataracts are easily removed in a minimally invasive surgery. Cataract surgery allows most people the opportunity to utilize custom replacement lenses to be implanted in the eye. This restores distance vision to near perfect without the use of glasses and contact lenses.