Do you hold your phone farther away to read your texts? Do you need more light to read the menu at a restaurant? You’re not alone. It’s called presbyopia, and it happens to everyone after age 40. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists help you find the right vision solution for your everyday life.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a normal change in vision that usually begins between the ages of 40 and 45. It is not a disease. It is not a sign that your eyes are unhealthy. It is simply the result of the lens inside your eye—the natural lens—losing its flexibility over time.

When you are young, the lens of the eye changes shape easily to focus on both distant and near objects. As you age, it becomes stiffer and loses this ability to adapt. As a result, your near vision becomes blurry.

Everyone develops presbyopia. Whether you’ve had perfect vision your whole life, or whether you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, presbyopia eventually sets in. It is the most common eye condition there is.

Symptoms of presbyopia

Presbyopia develops gradually. Many people don't immediately realize what's happening. Here are the most common signs:

You hold things farther away to see them better. Your phone, a book, a price tag at the supermarket. Your arms seem “too short.” This is the most common sign of presbyopia, and it’s often the first thing people notice.

Reading becomes difficult, especially in low light. Restaurant menus, the fine print on packaging, text messages on your phone. You need more light than before to read comfortably.

Eye strain at the end of the day. Your eyes work harder to compensate for the loss of flexibility in the lens. After a day of working in front of a screen, you may experience fatigue, heaviness, or discomfort in your eyes. This is particularly common among federal employees and professionals in the Gatineau-Ottawa region who spend long hours in front of a computer.

Headaches caused by reading or close-up work. Recurring headaches, often in the late afternoon, that go away when you stop reading or doing close-up work. It’s not stress. It’s your eyes straining.

Blurred vision at intermediate distances. Your computer screen, your car’s dashboard, prices on store shelves. Presbyopia doesn’t just affect close-up reading. Intermediate distances (between 50 cm and 1 meter) also become uncomfortable.

At what age does presbyopia begin?

Presbyopia follows a predictable course:

Ages 40 to 45. The first signs are appearing. You start holding things farther away and need more light to read. Many people think it’s just fatigue. It’s presbyopia.

Ages 45 to 50. Presbyopia progresses and becomes more of a nuisance in daily life. Reading without corrective lenses becomes really difficult. It is often at this age that patients visit an optometrist in Gatineau for the first time to address this issue.

Ages 50 to 55. Presbyopia gradually stabilizes. The correction needed for near vision continues to increase, but the rate of progression slows down.

Ages 55 to 65. Presbyopia reaches its peak. The lens has lost almost all of its flexibility. Your prescription for near vision stabilizes.

If you're over 40 and haven't had an eye exam recently, now is a good time to make an appointment. Presbyopia doesn't get better with time, and the right glasses can make a huge difference in your daily comfort.

Correction of presbyopia

There is no treatment to “cure” presbyopia. The lens of the eye does not regain its flexibility. However, there are several ways to correct near vision and restore full visual comfort. Our optometrists in Gatineau will help you find the solution that best fits your lifestyle.

Progressive lenses. This is the most popular and versatile solution. Progressive lenses correct distance vision, intermediate vision (computer screens), and near vision in a single pair of glasses, with no visible lines. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, we use Novacel progressive lenses made in France, known for their wide field of vision and quick adaptation. If you’ve had a bad experience with progressive lenses in the past, it’s worth giving them another try. The technology has come a long way.

Reading glasses. If your distance vision is good and you only need correction for reading, simple reading glasses may be all you need. The advantage: they’re simple and affordable. The downside: you have to take them off to see things up close. And over-the-counter reading glasses sold in pharmacies aren’t custom-made for your eyes, which can cause discomfort if your prescription differs from one eye to the other.

Computer glasses. If you spend most of your day in front of a screen, glasses optimized for screen viewing can make a world of difference in your comfort at work. This is a very common request from our patients in Gatineau, especially federal government employees and professionals who commute between Gatineau and Ottawa.

Multifocal contact lenses. If you’d rather not wear glasses, multifocal lenses provide correction for both distance and near vision in a single lens. They aren’t for everyone, and it may take some time to adjust, but for the right candidates, they’re a very satisfying solution. Our optometrists in Gatineau will assess whether you’re a good candidate and help you adjust to them.

Monovision (contact lenses). An approach in which one eye is corrected for distance vision and the other for near vision. The brain learns to switch between the two eyes depending on the distance. It doesn't work for everyone, but our optometrists can give you a trial to see if you adapt to it.

50% off your second pair of glasses

Presbyopia is often the point when having multiple pairs of glasses really comes in handy. A pair of progressive lenses for everyday use and a pair for the computer. Or progressive lenses plus prescription sunglasses.

Get 50% off the lenses for your second pair. Bring your own frames or choose from our selection. No purchase of frames required.

Presbyopia and Office Work

If you work in front of a screen and are over 40, you’re probably experiencing the effects of presbyopia without even realizing it. Eye strain at the end of the day, headaches, and the urge to move your screen closer or farther away are all signs of this condition.

Well-fitted progressive lenses or dedicated computer glasses can make a big difference in your daily life. Our optometrists in Gatineau take the time to understand your workstation, screen distance, habits, and needs so they can recommend the best correction for you.

Frequently Asked Questions — Presbyopia

Q: Does everyone develop presbyopia?
Yes. Without exception. Presbyopia is caused by the natural aging of the lens and affects everyone, usually between the ages of 40 and 45. Whether you’ve had perfect vision your whole life or already wear glasses, presbyopia is an addition to your existing condition.

Q: Can presbyopia get worse?
Yes, presbyopia progresses gradually between the ages of 40 and 60, then stabilizes. Your prescription for near vision will be adjusted periodically during your eye exams at Altitude Optometry in Gatineau.

Q: Can I just buy reading glasses at the pharmacy?
They’ll do in a pinch, but they’re not ideal. Pharmacy glasses have the same prescription in both lenses, whereas your eyes likely have different needs. They also don’t correct astigmatism. And they aren’t tailored to your face. Glasses prescribed by an optometrist are more comfortable, more precise, and better protect your eyes in the long run.

Q: I’ve tried progressive lenses before and never got used to them. Is it worth trying again?
Yes. Progressive lens technology has come a long way. The progressive lenses from 10 years ago are nothing like today’s. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, we use Novacel lenses that offer a wide field of vision and quick adaptation. And with our 6-month adaptation guarantee, if you’re not satisfied, your lenses will be replaced free of charge.

Q: Can contact lenses correct presbyopia?
Yes. Multifocal lenses and monovision are two viable options. It’s not for everyone, but our optometrists in Gatineau can assess whether you’re a good candidate and let you try them out before you commit.

Q: Can I prevent presbyopia?
No. Presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye’s lens. There are no exercises, supplements, or treatments that can prevent it. The only thing you can do is correct it properly to maintain your visual comfort.

Q: How much do progressive lenses cost?
The price varies depending on the type of lens, the coatings you choose, and your prescription. Our opticians in Gatineau offer options for every budget and can check your insurance coverage right in the store. And don’t forget: 50% off your second pair of lenses.

See an optometrist in Gatineau for your presbyopia

Are you over 40 and finding that your close-up vision isn't what it used to be? That's normal, and there are solutions that can make a real difference in your daily life. Our optometrists at Altitude Optométrie in Gatineau take the time to understand your lifestyle and recommend the best vision correction for your needs.

The clinic is located at 705 Davidson Street West, Suite 1, and is easily accessible from Hull, Aylmer, Templeton, Cantley, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers via Highway 50, Montée Paiement exit.