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Essilor Stellest Lenses
FDA-Authorized Myopia Control Glasses for Children – Essilor Stellest Lenses
Childhood myopia (nearsightedness) continues to be a growing concern. Children are developing myopia at younger ages, increasing the risk for serious eye diseases later in life.
Now, with the recent FDA authorization in the U.S. of the Essilor Stellest lens, parents have an evidence-based spectacle option proven to slow the progression of myopia in children.
What Are Essilor Stellest Lenses?
Essilor Stellest lenses are advanced myopia control spectacle lenses for children. Developed by Essilor Luxottica, these lenses represent years of optical innovation designed specifically to slow down myopia progression rather than just correct blurry vision.
Unlike standard single-vision lenses that only refocus light, Essilor Stellest lenses are engineered using H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology. This unique, patented design features a central zone for clear vision and a surrounding pattern of invisible lenslets that control how light focuses on the retina. The design allows for clear vision with proven myopia control.
How Does the Stellest Lenses Work?
To understand how these lenses help, it’s important to know what causes myopia to progress. Myopia progresses when the eye grows too long from front to back (axial elongation). This causes light to focus in front of the retina, leading to blurred distance vision.
Essilor Stellest lenses use their H.A.L.T. lenslet technology to create a “peripheral defocus” in front of certain retina. This optical defocus helps slow down the stimulus that causes the eye to elongate, meaning slower myopia progression and reduced risk for future eye complications.
In a six-year clinical study, children wearing Stellest lenses demonstrated:
Up to 67% slower myopia progression compared to single-vision lenses
60% less axial elongation (eye length growth)
High adaptation and comfort rates — almost all children adjusted within one week
These results confirm the lens’s strong efficacy in slowing myopia and maintaining good visual performance.
FDA Authorization
In September 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an FDA authorization for the lens design, allowing the marketing of Stellest lenses for myopia control purposes. They became the first spectacle lenses approved in the U.S. to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 6 to 13 years.
This approval confirms the safety, efficacy, and quality of Stellest lenses after rigorous review of scientific evidence. Parents can now choose a non-invasive, clinically proven method for managing their child’s nearsightedness with confidence.
Who Should Consider Essilor Stellest Lenses?
These lenses are ideal for:
Children aged 6–13 diagnosed with myopia
Those whose prescription has been worsening year-over-year
Kids who prefer wearing glasses over contact lenses
Families seeking non-contact-lens myopia management options
Early intervention is key. The younger a child begins myopia control, the more effective the outcome. Slowing progression even slightly can make a significant difference in reducing long-term risks such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
The Fitting Process at San Marcos Vision Center
At San Marcos Vision Center, we specialize in myopia management and custom lens fitting. Our process includes:
1. Comprehensive Eye Exam – We evaluate refractive error, eye health, and axial length/measurement with the Pentacam AXL Wave, specifically designed for myopia control tracking and management.
2. Myopia Progression Assessment – We review family history and previous prescriptions to determine your child’s risk.
3. Lens Recommendation – Based on the evaluation, we recommend suggested myopia management options, which may include the Stellest lens, Orthokeratology, soft myopia-control lenses (Misight), or compounded Atropine therapy.
4. Follow-Up & Monitoring – Regular visits help us track progression and ensure optimal results, utilizing our advanced scanning. Progress reports are created and shared with you, keeping you informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Essilor Stellest lenses safe for kids?
Yes. The lenses are FDA-authorized and have been tested extensively in children aged 6–13, demonstrating excellent tolerance and visual performance. The design has been used outside the U.S. for years with an exceptional track record.
How long should children wear the lenses each day?
Studies recommend wearing Stellest lenses at least 12 hours per day for maximum myopia-control benefits.
Do they look different from normal glasses?
No. The lenslets are nearly invisible, and the glasses look like standard lenses, providing both clear vision and comfort.
Can my child switch from standard lenses to Stellest easily?
Yes. Most children adapt within a week, with no noticeable visual distortion.
Does my child need to be monitored once prescribed the Stellest Lens?
Yes, your child must be monitored as part of a myopia management program which will measure and tract the effectiveness of the lens. Changes to the therapy can then be made accordingly throughout the next 12 months.
Why San Marcos Vision Center for Myopia Control?
At San Marcos Vision Center, we’re proud to offer all the latest FDA-approved myopia control technologies, including new Essilor Stellest lenses.
Our doctors have extensive experience in alternative myopia management specialty lens fitting, orthokeratology, soft multifocal lenses (Misgight), and Atropine drop treatments. Our office will perform a full evaluation and present the best options for your child’s individual needs.
We also utilize the top-of-the-line Pentacam AXL and its advanced Myopia Management software, specifically designed to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Most offices do not have access to this type of advanced technology, and may not even be measuring or tracking axial length/progression at all.
Ready for your evaluation?
Call 512-353-0588 or visit www.sanmarcosvisioncenter.com to schedule your exam, and we’ll perform a myopia management consultation during the visit. Find out if Essilor Stellest lenses, or other myopia management options, are right for your child.
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