Baseline Testing for Stellest: What We Measure
Why Baseline Testing Is Essential for Stellest
Regular glasses simply correct blurry vision by bringing images into focus on the retina. Stellest lenses do this while also using tiny lenslets across the lens surface designed to help slow axial elongation (eye growth) associated with myopia progression. These specialized lenses require careful measurements to ensure the optical zones are positioned properly for your child's eyes.
Because Stellest lenses incorporate advanced technology, they demand more precision than standard single-vision glasses. The lenslets work best when the frames fit well and the prescription is accurate, which is why baseline testing goes beyond a basic eye exam.
Myopia typically gets worse as the eyeball grows longer over time, especially during childhood and adolescence. Our baseline measurements give us a snapshot of where your child's eyes are right now. We can then compare future measurements to these starting numbers to see if Stellest is slowing down the progression as expected.
Without accurate baseline data, we would have no reliable way to tell whether the treatment is working. These initial numbers become the reference point for all follow-up visits.
Children who are nearsighted and still growing are the primary candidates for Stellest baseline testing. We typically recommend this testing for kids starting around age six whose myopia has been getting worse at regular eye exams. If your child needs stronger glasses every year, baseline testing can help us determine if myopia management is appropriate.
Baseline testing is also important for children with a family history of high myopia or those who spend limited time outdoors. Early intervention with Stellest may help reduce the risk of serious eye problems later in life.
Myopia management is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each child's eyes are different in size, shape, and how quickly they are changing. Accurate baseline data allows us to create a personalized plan that addresses your child's specific progression pattern.
Precise measurements also help us optimize the lens power and fit, which supports the effectiveness of Stellest. Good data at the start helps us monitor outcomes throughout treatment.
What We Measure During Stellest Baseline Testing
Refraction is the test where we find the lens power your child needs to see clearly. During this process, we ask your child to look through different lenses and tell us which ones make the eye chart appear sharpest. We also use an instrument called an autorefractor (a computerized estimate of prescription) to get an objective starting measurement.
For Stellest baseline testing, we perform a more detailed refraction than a routine exam. We measure both eyes separately and together to ensure the prescription is accurate for distance vision and will work well with the lenslet design.
Axial length is the distance from the front of the cornea to the back of the retina. This measurement tells us how much the eyeball has already elongated, which is the main cause of myopia. We use a non-contact device that shines light into the eye to measure this distance precisely.
Tracking axial length over time is one of the most important ways we monitor whether Stellest is working. Even a small reduction in the rate of eyeball elongation can make a meaningful difference in your child's future eye health.
Pupillary distance, or PD, is the measurement between the centers of your child's pupils. This number ensures that the optical center of each Stellest lens lines up with your child's line of sight. We also measure other fitting parameters like the distance from the pupil to the bottom of the frame and the angle at which the glasses sit on the face.
- We measure monocular distance PD and fitting height for each eye
- We check the vertex distance (how far the lens sits from the eye)
- We note the pantoscopic tilt (the forward angle of the frame front)
- We record the wrap angle (how much the frame curves around the face) if needed for certain frame styles
We measure the curvature of the front surface of the eye using keratometry, often built into the same device that estimates your child's prescription. These measurements help us understand the overall optical properties of the eye and support accurate lens fabrication and fit checks.
We also record baseline unaided visual acuity (how well your child sees without correction) and best-corrected visual acuity (with the right prescription). These numbers provide context for tracking how vision changes over time.
Before we recommend Stellest, our eye doctor needs to make sure your child's eyes are healthy. We examine the front structures of the eye with a microscope called a slit lamp, looking for any issues with the eyelids, cornea, or lens. We also dilate the pupils so we can get a clear view of the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye.
This health check is important because certain eye conditions might affect whether Stellest is the best choice. We want to rule out any problems that need treatment before starting myopia management.
Binocular vision testing (how the eyes coordinate together) checks how well your child's eyes work as a team. We measure eye alignment, focusing ability, and the coordination between the two eyes. These tests help us understand if there are any issues that might interfere with wearing Stellest lenses comfortably.
Children with certain binocular vision problems may need vision therapy or other interventions before starting Stellest. Identifying these issues during baseline testing allows us to address them early in the treatment process.
What Happens During Your Baseline Testing Appointment
Your child's baseline appointment begins with a conversation about their vision history and any changes you have noticed. Next, we perform preliminary tests like checking eye pressure and taking automated measurements. Then our eye doctor conducts the detailed refraction and other tests mentioned earlier.
- We start with questions about vision symptoms and family history
- We measure visual acuity with an eye chart
- We complete the refraction and other specialized tests
- We may place cycloplegic drops and wait for them to take effect
- We finish with the dilated eye health examination
Cycloplegic drops temporarily relax the focusing muscles inside the eye, which allows us to measure the true prescription without the eye trying to compensate. This cycloplegic refraction is especially important in children to reduce the effect of accommodative spasm. Dilating drops widen the pupil and give us a better view of the internal structures during the retinal examination.
Many clinics perform both non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction at baseline, especially if there are symptoms of accommodative issues or inconsistent measurements. The drops take about twenty to thirty minutes to work fully, and the effects usually last several hours.
We understand that eye appointments can feel intimidating for kids, so we use child-friendly language and explain each step before we do it. Our testing equipment is designed to be quick and painless. Many of the measurements only take a few seconds, and we encourage breaks if your child needs them.
We also let children choose fun frames to try on and make the experience as positive as possible. Building trust during baseline testing helps ensure your child will feel comfortable at future follow-up visits.
Please bring your child's current glasses if they have them, along with any previous eye exam records or prescription information. If your child has a vision insurance card, bring that as well. It can also be helpful to write down any questions you have about Stellest or myopia management before the appointment.
- Current eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Insurance cards and identification
- List of any medications your child takes
- Records from previous eye doctors if available
A comprehensive baseline testing appointment usually takes between sixty and ninety minutes. The length depends on how cooperative your child is and whether we use cycloplegic or dilating drops. We recommend scheduling the visit at a time when your child is well-rested and not rushed to another activity afterward.
Because the drops can make vision blurry and eyes sensitive to light for a few hours, plan for a quiet afternoon following the exam. Bringing sunglasses for the ride home can help your child feel more comfortable.
How We Use Your Baseline Results to Customize Stellest
After we collect all the baseline data, our eye doctor analyzes the results to estimate how fast your child's myopia is likely to progress. Factors like age, current prescription strength, axial length, and family history all play a role in this assessment. Children with higher risk may benefit most from starting Stellest sooner rather than later.
We share these findings with you in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Understanding your child's risk level helps you make an informed decision about whether to move forward with Stellest lenses.
The prescription power for Stellest lenses is based on the refraction results from baseline testing. We determine the prescription needed to give your child clear distance vision while the lenslets do their job of managing myopia progression. Even a small error in the prescription can affect both vision quality and treatment effectiveness.
Our eye doctor double-checks all calculations before ordering the lenses. We want to make sure your child will see clearly and comfortably from the first day of wearing Stellest.
Not every frame is suitable for Stellest lenses. The frames need to be large enough to accommodate the lenslet zone and sit properly on your child's face. During the baseline visit, we help you select frames that meet these technical requirements while also matching your child's style preferences.
- Frames should have a minimum vertical height to fit the lens design
- The frame should sit stable without sliding down the nose
- Lightweight materials can improve comfort for all-day wear
- Adjustable nose pads may help achieve the best fit
Based on your child's baseline results, we create a monitoring schedule tailored to their needs. Most children return for the first progress check within three to six months of starting Stellest. We also discuss what to expect over the next few years and how the treatment plan might evolve as your child grows.
Stellest may slow progression but does not stop myopia, so continued monitoring is necessary. Depending on your child's response, we may consider combination therapy or additional lifestyle strategies to optimize outcomes.
In some cases, baseline testing reveals that Stellest may not be the ideal choice for your child. For example, if your child has significant binocular vision problems or certain eye health issues, we may recommend addressing those first. Other myopia management options like orthokeratology, multifocal soft contact lenses, or low-dose atropine drops might be considered in specific cases.
We also discuss lifestyle factors that form the foundation of myopia management: increasing outdoor time, taking regular near-work breaks, maintaining proper working distance, and ensuring good lighting. Our goal is to find the approach that best fits your child's unique situation, and we will discuss all appropriate options with you if baseline results suggest an alternative path forward.
Follow-Up Testing and Monitoring After Stellest
The first follow-up appointment typically happens three to six months after your child begins wearing Stellest lenses. During this visit, we check that your child is wearing the glasses consistently and that they fit properly. We also ask about any vision concerns or comfort issues that may have come up.
This early check allows us to catch and fix any problems before they interfere with treatment success. Consistent wear is important for best results; response varies by child.
At each six-month monitoring visit, we repeat many of the baseline measurements to track changes over time. We measure axial length again to see if eyeball growth has slowed, and we perform a new refraction to check if the prescription needs updating. We also examine eye health and reassess binocular vision function.
- Axial length to monitor eyeball elongation
- Refraction to determine if prescription has changed
- Visual acuity to confirm clear vision with current lenses
- Eye health examination to rule out any new problems
- Frame fit check to ensure lenses are positioned correctly
The real value of baseline testing becomes clear when we compare follow-up measurements to those original numbers. We look at how much the axial length has increased and how much the prescription has changed. If axial length and prescription changes are slower than expected for age and compared with your child's prior trend, that suggests the treatment is helping.
We show you graphs or charts that make it easy to see the trends. Watching your child's myopia progression slow down over time can be very encouraging for both you and your child.
While we schedule regular monitoring visits, some situations require an earlier appointment. If your child complains of sudden vision changes, sudden decrease in vision, eye pain, or persistent headaches, contact our office right away. Other warning signs include seeing flashes of light, noticing new floaters, or a curtain or veil over vision. These symptoms may require urgent same-day evaluation.
If your child experiences severe headache, nausea or vomiting, marked eye redness, or worsening pain after dilating drops, contact the office urgently. Damaged or broken glasses should also prompt a quick visit so we can ensure the fit and function are restored.
If follow-up testing shows that myopia is progressing faster than we hoped, we may recommend adjustments to the treatment plan. This could mean changing the lens design, adding another intervention like low-dose atropine drops, or increasing outdoor time. On the other hand, if progression has slowed significantly, we may be able to space out monitoring visits.
Myopia management is an ongoing process that evolves with your child. We use the data from baseline and follow-up testing to make informed decisions that give your child the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of the baseline tests are painless and non-invasive. The cycloplegic or dilating drops may sting very briefly when we first put them in, but the discomfort passes within seconds. Most children tolerate the testing very well, and many find the instruments interesting to look at.
Stellest lenses are custom-made based on the prescription and measurements we collect, so they are not available the same day. After baseline testing, we order the lenses from the manufacturer, which typically takes one to two weeks. We will schedule a dispensing appointment once the glasses arrive so we can fit them properly and teach your child how to care for them.
The drops cause temporary blurriness, especially for near tasks like reading, and make the eyes more sensitive to bright light. Near work may be blurry for a few hours, so plan lighter reading or screen tasks if needed. These effects usually last three to six hours but can persist longer in some children. We recommend that your child wear sunglasses outdoors until the drops wear off.
We are experienced in working with children of all ages and temperaments. For very young or anxious kids, we use distraction techniques, take breaks, and sometimes split the testing over two visits if needed. Most measurements are quick enough that even wiggly children can complete them successfully with a little patience and encouragement.
Axial length measurement using optical biometry is very low risk and non-contact. The device does not touch the eye and simply uses harmless light waves to take the measurement. The test is similar to taking a photograph and is widely used in children.
Coverage varies depending on your vision or medical insurance plan. Many plans cover the comprehensive eye exam portion of baseline testing, but some specialized measurements like axial length may not be covered by all insurers. We recommend checking with your insurance company before the appointment, and our staff can provide billing codes to help you verify benefits.
Next Steps
If you are considering Stellest lenses for your child, scheduling a baseline testing appointment is the first step. Our eye doctor will perform all the necessary measurements, explain the results in clear terms, and work with you to create a myopia management plan that fits your family's needs and goals.