No they aren't but they are similar. Here are some examples of the two, As the years pass: E.g. 'As the year passed, the old couple became more and more dependent on their children.' E.g. 'As the years pass I feel weaker and weaker (an old person saying this). The use of 'over the years' is slightly different. It would be used more in general. E.g. This city has changed a lot 'over the years'. E.g. 'Over the years' you will learn to appreciate the preciousness of life. You could also use 'through time' to replace 'over the years'.