If you think you may be nearsighted or would like to have your vision assessed, book a consultation with one of our optometrists in Gatineau

Myopia
Myopia is a common eye health condition that primarily affects distance vision. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has excessive curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina. This leads to blurry vision for distant objects, making it difficult to read road signs, watch TV, or recognize faces from afar. However, people with myopia typically see well up close for activities like reading or using a phone.
Symptoms of Myopia
Blurry vision for distant objects
Frequent squinting to see more clearly
Need to bring objects closer for better focus
Frequent headaches, particularly after prolonged visual tasks
Common Causes of Myopia
Myopia often develops during childhood or adolescence and can be influenced by several factors:
Elongated eyeball shape
Excessive corneal curvature
Hereditary predisposition to myopia
Extended screen time or close-up activities
Limited exposure to natural light
Sedentary lifestyle
Myopia Correction Options with Altitude Optometry – Schedule Your Eye Appointment
Prescription Glasses
Eyeglasses with concave lenses redirect light directly onto the retina. At Altitude Optometry, we offer customized glasses for myopia to ensure clear and comfortable vision, personalized to support your eye health needs.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses offer an alternative to glasses, correcting light focus and providing a wider field of view.
Refractive Surgery
Procedures like LASIK, PRK, and SMILE reshape the cornea, helping to correct myopia. These surgeries are available through specialized refractive surgery providers.
Prevention and Management for Eye Health and Myopia
While myopia is generally irreversible once present, there are steps you can take to help slow its progression and maintain overall eye health:
Daily outdoor activities (at least 2 hours) for better exposure to natural light
Regular breaks during close-up activities (5 minutes every 30 minutes)
Specialized myopia control glasses for children
Low-dose atropine eye drops to slow progression in young patients
Myopia and Eye Health Worldwide – Book an Eye Appointment Today
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of the global population could be affected by myopia by 2050. At Altitude Optometry, our optometrists are dedicated to providing effective solutions for myopia and eye health guidance. Book an eye appointment with us today to discuss personalized options, from glasses and contact lenses to other myopia management strategies.
Why do myopes 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 focusing becomes an advantage for near vision: nearsighted people can see well up close without glasses because nearby objects are already in focus before reaching the retina, allowing for a sharp image. In other words, the nearsighted eye is naturally adapted for near vision, which explains why nearsighted people can often read and perform near tasks without glasses.
Is it normal that my myopia seems to decrease as I approach my forties?
Yes, it's a common phenomenon. As we age, especially around our forties, presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) begins to appear. 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 doesn't disappear; presbyopia compensates for some of the effects of myopia, which can give the illusion of a decrease.