In September 2025, the FDA approved Stellest lenses for children ages 6 to 12 to correct and manage myopia, a major milestone for myopia care. These lenses have been successfully used in countries across Europe, Canada, and Asia since 2020, showing promising results in slowing eye growth associated with myopia.
The Importance of Early Myopia Management
Myopia typically begins in early childhood, often between the ages of 6 and 10, and tends to worsen quickly during the school years as children spend more time reading and using digital devices. The sooner it begins, the higher the risk that it will progress to more severe levels. Every increase in myopia level significantly raises the risk of eye health complications later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
By beginning myopia management as soon as possible, parents can help slow eye growth and protect long-term vision. With innovative options like Stellest lenses, families now have effective, science-backed solutions to take control of their child’s myopia.
What Are Stellest Lenses?
Stellest lenses are a groundbreaking innovation in myopia control, developed by Essilor. They look like regular eyeglass lenses but are designed with specialized optical technology to both correct vision and slow the progression of myopia.
How Stellest Lenses Work
Stellest lenses look just like ordinary eyeglass lenses. However, their innovation lies in a patented H.A.L.T. Technology (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target).
Each Stellest lens includes:
A clear central zone that provides sharp, focused vision for everyday clarity.
A precisely arranged pattern of lenslets that create a “volume of signal” in the peripheral vision. This signal helps control how the eye grows, reducing the tendency for elongation that leads to worsening myopia.
This dual-action design allows Stellest lenses to correct and manage myopia simultaneously, helping children see clearly while protecting their visual development.
Advantages of Stellest Lenses
Non-invasive and easy to adapt: Unlike contact lenses or daily eye drops, Stellest lenses are worn just like regular glasses - no insertion or maintenance routines are required. This makes them ideal for younger children or those not ready for contact lens wear.
Scientifically proven results: Clinical studies show that Stellest lenses can slow myopia progression by up to 67% compared to standard single-vision lenses when worn consistently.
Continuous vision correction and control: Children receive clear, comfortable vision while their myopia management treatment is active all day long - no need to switch between different products.
Great for children unsuited for other options: Some children may not be candidates for orthokeratology (Ortho-K), soft myopia control contact lenses like MiSight, or low-dose atropine eye drops due to comfort, allergies, or other limitations. Stellest lenses offer a safe and effective alternative for these patients.
If you’ve noticed signs of nearsightedness, schedule a comprehensive eye exam today to discuss myopia management options and learn whether Stellest lenses are right for your child.
