If you think you may be nearsighted or would like to have your vision checked, book an appointment with one of our optometrists in Gatineau.
Myopia
What is myopia?
Myopia is a visual impairment that primarily affects distance vision. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. This optical misalignment causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred vision when looking at distant objects. People with myopia may have difficulty reading road signs, watching television, or recognizing faces from a distance, but they have good near vision for tasks such as reading or using a cell phone.
Symptoms of Myopia
Blurred vision from a distance
Frequent squinting to see clearly
Need to bring objects closer to see them better
Frequent headaches after prolonged visual exertion
Causes of Myopia
Myopia can occur for several reasons and often develops during childhood or adolescence. Here are some common causes:
Elongation of the eyeball
Excessive curvature of the cornea
Hereditary predisposition to myopia
Prolonged use of screens or activities requiring close-up vision
Lack of exposure to natural light
Sedentary lifestyle
Myopia correction options in Gatineau
Prescription Glasses
Glasses for nearsighted people, equipped with concave lenses, redirect light directly onto the retina. At Altitude Optometry, we offer eyeglasses tailored to the specific needs of patients, for clear and comfortable vision.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are a practical alternative, correcting light focus for a wider field of vision.
Refractive Surgery
Procedures such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE can correct myopia by reshaping the cornea and are available from specialists in refractive surgery.
Prevention and Management of Myopia
Although myopia is generally irreversible, it is possible to take steps to slow its progression:
Regular outdoor activities (at least 2 hours per day)
Frequent breaks during close-up activities
Myopia control glasses for children
Low-dose atropine drops to slow progression
Myopia worldwide
According to the WHO, approximately 50% of the world's population will be affected by myopia by 2050. At Altitude Optometry, we are committed to providing corrective solutions and advice for the prevention of myopia. Our optometrists work with you or your child to choose the best solution, whether it be glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments.
Why can nearsighted people see well up close without glasses?
Myopia means that the eye focuses images slightly in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry. However, this advanced focus becomes an advantage for near vision: nearsighted people see well up close without glasses because nearby objects are already focused before they reach the retina, allowing for a clear image. In other words, the nearsighted eye is naturally adapted for near vision, which explains why nearsighted people can often read and perform close-up tasks without glasses.
Is it normal that my nearsightedness seems to be decreasing as I approach my forties?
Yes, this is a common phenomenon. As we age, particularly around the age of 40, presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) begins to set in. This change in the eye's ability to focus reduces some of the visible effects of myopia, giving the impression that distance vision is improving. However, myopia does not disappear; it is presbyopia that compensates for some of the effects of myopia, which can give the illusion of a decrease.