Andrew if you are 40-45+ years old, then no, your eye doc is not full of it. The condition is called Presbyopia. I am no eye doctor but my understanding is that the lens of your eye is just not as flexible as it was when we were younger - I am 45 and have the condition. Did the doctor put you on progressive lenses? I got my single lens glasses changed to progressives once presbyopia showed up in me.

Here is a link for more info. Welcome to middle age, don't forget that prostate exam

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyopia