For many children, getting their first pair of glasses marks a milestone and the beginning of regular eye check-ups. However, new technology may transform this routine experience into an opportunity to actually protect long-term vision.
FDA Approves Innovative Lenses for Myopia Control
In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new type of lens that not only corrects vision but also slows the progression of myopia. Although this technology has been available in Europe and Asia, it is now entering the U.S. market, offering parents and clinicians a new tool to address childhood nearsightedness.
Rising Myopia Rates Among Children
Myopia—or nearsightedness—allows children to see close objects clearly while distant objects appear blurry. Studies worldwide show that myopia rates continue to rise, likely due to increasing time spent indoors focused on screens, books, and near-work activities. In the U.S., Dr. Michael Repka of Johns Hopkins reports that 30% to 40% of children develop myopia by the end of high school.
Traditional Care Offered Limited Solutions
Until recently, treatment options remained minimal. “It was typically and simply: ‘Your child needs to wear glasses, and it will likely worsen,’” Repka said. Consequently, most children lived with the expectation that their vision would deteriorate over time.
How Stellest Lenses Work
As reported by abcnews.go.com, the FDA-approved Essilor Stellest lenses aim to change that trajectory. According to company data, these lenses reduced myopia progression by 70% over two years in children aged 6 to 12. Moreover, the technology slows the physical elongation of the eye—a key factor in worsening myopia.
The lenses use 11 concentric rings containing tiny raised dots that help redirect light onto the retina. This optical design is believed to slow eye growth. Even though the exact mechanism requires further validation, Repka noted that “the lenses appear to work regardless of how the underlying science unfolds.”
Evidence and Ongoing Research
In clinical studies, children wearing Stellest lenses showed a 50% reduction in eye lengthening after two years. Although the FDA based its approval on trials conducted in Asia, researchers in the U.S. and other countries are now conducting independent studies to confirm these findings. Repka himself is leading an NIH-supported U.S. trial.
Long-Term Benefits and Potential to Prevent Serious Complications
Myopia can worsen over time, increasing the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal tears, and even blindness. Pediatric ophthalmologists believe that slowing eye elongation may help prevent these complications. “Now we have a way to slow that down and maybe prevent kids from developing severe risk factors for blindness,” said Dr. Rupa Wong of Honolulu.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The suggested retail price for Stellest lenses is $450, according to EssilorLuxottica. Major U.S. vision insurance plans are expected to cover the lenses for eligible children.
How Stellest Compares to Other FDA-Approved Options
Before Stellest, the only FDA-approved myopia-control option was MiSight contact lenses, cleared in 2019 for children aged 8 to 12. While effective, contacts may not be suitable for all children. As Dr. Gupta noted, many parents prefer glasses for younger kids, making Stellest an appealing alternative.
Some doctors also use medicated eye drops to slow myopia, but these are not FDA-approved for this purpose.
Safety and Side Effects
Under FDA approval, any child within the recommended age range and diagnosed with myopia can use Stellest lenses. No serious side effects were reported, although some children experienced visual disturbances such as halos around objects.
Call for More U.S. Data
Although early results are promising, some American ophthalmologists want additional domestic evidence before widespread adoption. “I think before it becomes widely used, we will need some data in the United States,” Repka emphasized.