Stellest Lenses
What Stellest Lenses Are and How They Work
Stellest lenses contain hundreds of tiny lens elements called highly aspherical lenslets arranged across the lens surface. These lenslets create a volume of light in front of the retina, which is intended to slow eye elongation. The center of the lens provides clear vision correction, while the surrounding lenslets work to help manage myopia progression.
- Each lens contains approximately 1,000 tiny lenslets
- The lenslets are often subtle in appearance and typically not noticeable during wear
- They do not interfere with central vision clarity
- The technology is built directly into the lens material
- Some children may notice mild peripheral artifacts early on that usually improve with adaptation
When children develop myopia, their eyes typically grow too long from front to back. Stellest lenses create specific signals that are intended to create myopic defocus in front of the retina, a signal associated with slower axial elongation in clinical studies. The lenslets produce what we call a myopic defocus signal, which research suggests helps reduce the rate at which the eyeball elongates over time. Response varies by child, and the goal is slowing progression rather than stopping it.
By wearing these lenses consistently throughout the day, children receive continuous signals that may help control eye growth. Clinical studies have shown that this approach may help reduce myopia progression compared to wearing standard single-vision glasses.
Regular glasses simply correct your child's current nearsightedness so they can see clearly. They are not shown to meaningfully slow progression over time. Stellest lenses are designed to both provide clear vision correction and help slow progression.
- Standard lenses only fix blurry vision temporarily
- Stellest lenses are designed to address the underlying progression problem
- The lens includes a central clear zone for vision and surrounding lenslet zones designed for myopia management
- Children can wear them just like regular eyeglasses
Essilor developed Stellest lenses based on years of myopia research and clinical testing. The company conducted extensive trials to validate the safety and effectiveness of the lenslet technology before releasing the product. These studies tracked children wearing Stellest lenses over multiple years to measure how well the lenses slowed myopia progression.
The research showed that children wearing Stellest lenses for at least twelve hours daily experienced a reduction in myopia progression compared to those wearing standard glasses. These findings have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at international eye care conferences.
Common Misconceptions About Stellest Lenses
This is a common misunderstanding we hear from parents. Stellest lenses contain patented technology that took years to develop and test. The manufacturing process is far more complex than making standard lenses, as each lens must be precisely engineered to include the exact pattern of lenslets.
While they may look similar to regular glasses, the difference lies in the specialized technology embedded throughout the lens. We recommend Stellest when myopia control is important for your child's long-term eye health, not just for vision correction.
Standard single-vision glasses are not shown to meaningfully slow myopia progression. They only correct the blurry vision caused by nearsightedness. Without specific myopia control features, regular eyeglasses allow the condition to worsen at its natural rate, which can be significant during childhood and adolescence.
- Only specialized lenses designed for myopia control may help slow progression
- Regular glasses are not shown to provide a protective effect against worsening myopia
- Wait-and-see approaches often result in higher prescriptions over time
- Myopia control requires deliberate intervention, not just vision correction
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Stellest lenses, in clinical studies, slowed progression on average, with greater effect seen with longer daily wear, and individual results vary. Effects are reported using measures like prescription change and axial length growth. Over the course of childhood, this difference can mean less myopia by adulthood. A reduction of even one or two diopters can significantly lower the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.
High myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. Even moderate reductions in final myopia level can protect your child from these vision-threatening complications decades from now.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Stellest lenses have been tested in children with a wide range of myopia levels and progression rates. They are not limited to specific ethnicities, genders, or myopia severities. As long as a child falls within the appropriate age range and has progressing myopia, they may benefit from this treatment approach.
- Effective across different ethnic backgrounds
- Work for various myopia levels, from mild to moderate
- Suitable for children with different lifestyle and activity patterns
- No genetic testing or special criteria needed to qualify
This outdated belief has been disproven by extensive research over the past two decades. We now have multiple evidence-supported methods to slow myopia progression, including specialty lenses, contact lenses, eye drops, and overnight corneal reshaping. Stellest lenses represent one of several options we can offer to families concerned about their child's worsening nearsightedness.
The key is early intervention and consistent use of whichever myopia control method we recommend. Starting treatment when myopia first appears or begins to progress gives us the best chance of limiting how severe it becomes by adulthood.
In a two-year clinical trial, children wearing Stellest lenses for at least twelve hours per day showed substantially less progression on average compared to children wearing standard single-vision lenses. Eye length growth, which is the main driver of myopia, was also significantly slower in the Stellest group. The lenses were well tolerated, with children adapting quickly and wearing them comfortably.
- Study participants ranged from school-age children in the primary study cohort
- Results were consistent across the full two-year study period
- No serious device-related adverse events were reported in the study
- The longer children wore the lenses each day, the better the results
- Differences can be observed as early as the first six months of wear
Who Should Consider Stellest Lenses
Stellest lenses are designed for school-age children, commonly studied in children roughly ages eight to thirteen, though we may recommend them outside this range in certain cases. The ideal candidate is a child whose myopia is actively getting worse, usually identified through changes in their prescription over six to twelve months. Children need to be mature enough to handle glasses responsibly and wear them consistently throughout the day.
We look for children who can communicate clearly about their vision and any problems with their glasses. Kids who already wear glasses successfully and are comfortable with eyewear tend to adapt most easily to Stellest lenses.
- Refractive range appropriate for the lens design
- Astigmatism within tolerated limits for the technology
- No significant binocular vision problems, amblyopia, or strabismus that would interfere with treatment
- Ability to wear the lenses full-time during waking hours
- Healthy eyes with no ocular pathology that would change candidacy
Progression is usually detected during routine eye exams when we measure changes in your child's prescription or eye length. However, you might notice certain signs at home as well. If your child complains that things are blurrier than they used to be, even while wearing their current glasses, progression may be occurring.
- Squinting more frequently, especially at distant objects
- Sitting closer to the television or moving closer to the whiteboard at school
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain
- Needing a new, stronger prescription within a year of the last change
- Difficulty seeing clearly during sports or outdoor activities
Certain children are at higher risk for developing severe myopia, which makes early intervention with Stellest lenses particularly valuable. If both parents are nearsighted, the child has a much greater chance of developing significant myopia. Children who develop myopia at a very young age, such as before age eight, tend to progress more rapidly and reach higher final prescriptions.
We also consider lifestyle factors such as limited time spent outdoors and extensive near work activities like reading or screen time. Children showing rapid progression, such as increases of one diopter or more per year, are strong candidates for myopia control measures.
In addition to optical interventions like Stellest lenses, we counsel families on environmental and behavioral measures that support healthy vision development. These steps are considered part of the standard approach to myopia management in 2025.
- Encourage at least 90 to 120 minutes of outdoor time daily in natural light
- Take regular breaks during prolonged near work using the 20-20-20 rule
- Maintain proper working distance for reading and device use
- Ensure adequate lighting during homework and screen time
- Balance screen time with physical activity and distance viewing
Not every child with myopia requires Stellest lenses. If your child has very mild, stable nearsightedness that is not progressing or is progressing very slowly, we may recommend standard single-vision glasses instead. Some children develop myopia late in their teenage years when eye growth is nearly complete, reducing the need for active progression control.
- Myopia that has remained stable for over a year
- Very low prescriptions with minimal functional impact
- Teenagers nearing the end of eye growth and development
- Families preferring to monitor progression before starting intervention
Getting Fitted: What to Expect at Your Appointments
During your first visit, our eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye examination to assess your child's current vision and eye health. This includes measuring the prescription, checking eye alignment and movement, examining the internal and external eye structures, and evaluating overall visual function. We take detailed measurements of the eyes to establish a baseline for future comparisons.
The exam may take longer than a routine visit because we gather extra information needed to determine if Stellest lenses are appropriate. We will discuss your child's visual habits, family history, and any concerns you have about myopia progression.
To track how well Stellest lenses work over time, we establish baseline measurements before your child starts wearing them. This typically includes axial length measurement, which uses a special instrument to measure the eye from front to back. We also carefully document the current eyeglass prescription and may take photographs of the retina for future reference. Cycloplegic refraction may be used in pediatric cases to obtain the most accurate baseline prescription.
- Axial length measurement with optical biometry
- Detailed refraction to determine exact prescription
- Visual acuity testing at various distances
- Assessment of accommodative and binocular vision function when needed
Choosing the right frame is important for both comfort and effectiveness. The frame must fit your child's face properly and hold the lenses in the correct position relative to their eyes. We help you select frames that are durable, comfortable, and appropriate for your child's daily activities, including sports and play.
Once the frame is chosen, we take precise measurements to ensure the Stellest lenses are positioned correctly. This includes measuring the distance between the pupils, the height at which the lenses sit, and the angle of the frame on the face. Proper alignment ensures the lenslet technology works as designed.
Most children adapt to Stellest lenses quickly, often within a few days. Some may notice slight differences in their peripheral vision at first, but this typically resolves as the brain adjusts to the new visual experience. We encourage children to wear the glasses consistently from the start to speed up adaptation.
- Wear the glasses immediately upon waking and throughout the day
- Remove them only for bathing, swimming, or sleeping
- Mild glare, halos, or awareness of peripheral blur at first is not uncommon
- Give consistent wear time and allow at least one to two weeks for full adjustment
- Return for a fit and centration check if symptoms persist after two to three weeks
- Contact our office if problems persist beyond the initial adaptation period
We typically schedule the first follow-up appointment within four to six weeks of dispensing the Stellest lenses. This visit allows us to check the fit, address any concerns, and ensure your child is wearing the glasses as recommended. After that, we generally see patients every six months for detailed progress monitoring, though visits may be scheduled every three to six months for children showing rapid progression or in the early stages of treatment.
At each monitoring visit, we repeat the axial length measurement and refraction to track changes in myopia. Comparing these results to the baseline helps us determine how effectively the lenses are controlling progression. Based on these findings, we may adjust the treatment plan or recommend continuing with the current approach.
Comparing Your Myopia Control Options
Regular single-vision glasses correct blurry vision but are not designed for myopia control. They allow nearsightedness to progress at its natural rate, which can be rapid during childhood. Stellest lenses provide the same clear vision correction while also working to slow eye growth and limit progression.
The trade-off is primarily cost, as Stellest lenses are more expensive than standard lenses. However, for children with progressive myopia, the long-term benefits of reducing final myopia severity often outweigh the initial investment. We help families weigh these factors based on their individual situation and priorities.
MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable soft lenses designed specifically for myopia control and are another option for children. They work through a different optical design but achieve similar levels of progression control. The main difference is the modality: some children prefer glasses, while others are ready for the responsibility of contact lenses.
- MiSight requires daily insertion and removal by the child
- Stellest offers simpler care similar to regular glasses
- Contact lenses provide unrestricted peripheral vision during sports
- Glasses are easier for younger children to manage
- Both options have strong clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness
Low-dose atropine eye drops may be considered in specific cases as a myopia control treatment. Atropine works through a completely different mechanism involving the biochemistry of eye growth rather than optical signals. Some children use atropine alone, while others combine it with optical interventions like Stellest lenses.
Atropine requires nightly administration and can cause side effects such as light sensitivity or difficulty focusing on near objects, though these effects are generally mild at low doses. Stellest lenses work during waking hours without any drops, making them appealing to families who prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach or want to avoid potential medication side effects.
Orthokeratology involves wearing rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K also slows myopia progression through the optical signals created by the corneal shape change. This option works well for children who dislike wearing glasses or contacts during the day and are comfortable with the nightly lens routine.
Ortho-K requires meticulous lens care and carries a slightly higher risk of eye infection compared to daytime glasses. Stellest offers a simpler, lower-maintenance approach with a safety profile similar to regular eyeglasses. The choice often comes down to lifestyle preferences and the child's readiness to manage overnight lens wear.
In some cases, we may recommend combining Stellest lenses with another myopia control approach, such as low-dose atropine drops. Combination therapy may be considered for children showing very rapid progression or those who achieve partial but incomplete control with a single treatment. Research into combined approaches is still emerging, and we carefully evaluate each case individually.
- Combining treatments may offer additive benefits in specific situations
- We monitor closely for effectiveness and any side effects
- Not all children require combination therapy
- Starting with one treatment and adding another if needed is common
Caring for Stellest Lenses and Recognizing Problems
Stellest lenses should be cleaned daily using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution or spray. Avoid using paper towels, clothing, or other rough materials that can scratch the lens surface. The lenslet technology is built into the lens, so scratches can potentially affect performance and vision quality. Do not use harsh household cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol, and avoid exposing the glasses to high heat such as on a car dashboard.
Teach your child to handle glasses by the frames, not the lenses, and to place them in a protective case when not wearing them. Regular cleaning keeps vision clear and prevents buildup of oils, dust, and debris that can interfere with the optical design.
For maximum benefit, your child should wear Stellest lenses for at least twelve hours every day. The clinical studies that demonstrated effectiveness were based on this minimum wearing time. More hours per day may provide even better results, so we encourage wearing them during all waking hours except for water activities.
- Put glasses on first thing in the morning
- Wear them throughout the school day and after-school activities
- Keep them on during homework, reading, and screen time
- Remove only for swimming, bathing, and sleeping
- Consistency is key to achieving the best progression control
Even with successful myopia control, some children will still experience prescription changes that require new lenses. When this happens, we will order updated Stellest lenses with the new prescription to maintain both clear vision and continued progression control. The frequency of lens replacement varies depending on how quickly your child's eyes are changing.
Some children may go a year or more without needing new lenses, while others require updates more frequently. Regular monitoring visits help us determine when a prescription change is necessary and ensure the glasses continue to fit properly as your child grows.
If your child complains of blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain despite wearing their Stellest lenses consistently, the glasses may need adjustment or the prescription may have changed. Physical signs such as lenses sitting crooked on the face or frames that have become too tight or loose can also affect performance.
- Blurred vision at distance or near despite wearing the glasses
- Frequent headaches or eye discomfort
- Lenses that appear scratched or damaged
- Frames that no longer fit properly due to growth
- Return of squinting or other behaviors suggesting vision problems
Most issues with Stellest lenses can be addressed at regular appointments, but certain symptoms require prompt attention. Contact our office immediately if your child experiences sudden vision loss, eye pain, redness, discharge, or sees flashes of light or floaters. These symptoms are uncommon in children but warrant urgent assessment regardless of lens type. If severe pain or vision loss occurs after hours, seek emergency care.
Also reach out if the glasses break or become damaged in a way that makes them unsafe to wear, or if your child develops a persistent reaction to the frame material such as a rash or irritation on the nose or ears. We can arrange for repairs or adjustments as needed to keep treatment on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stellest lenses do both at the same time. The central portion of the lens corrects your child's nearsightedness so they can see clearly, just like regular glasses. The surrounding lenslet technology simultaneously works to help slow down how quickly the myopia gets worse. Your child will have clear vision while wearing them and benefit from progression control.
Insurance coverage for Stellest lenses varies widely depending on your plan. Some vision insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, treating them as standard eyeglasses with an upgrade fee for the specialty technology. Others may not cover myopia control treatments at all. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before ordering, and our office can provide any necessary documentation to support your claim.
If your child stops wearing Stellest lenses, the myopia control benefit stops as well. Their nearsightedness will likely continue to progress, though the exact rate can vary by individual and age. The myopia that has already developed will not reverse, but you will lose the protective effect that was helping to slow further progression. Consistency is important for getting the most benefit from this treatment approach.
Stellest lenses are specifically designed and tested for children whose eyes are still growing. Most adults have stopped experiencing myopia progression because their eyes have finished growing, so myopia control lenses would offer no benefit. In rare cases where adults show documented progression, we may discuss other options, but Stellest is not typically recommended for adult patients.
Most children continue wearing Stellest lenses until their eyes stop growing, which typically happens in the mid to late teenage years. We monitor progression regularly and adjust the plan based on how your child's myopia responds. Once eye growth stabilizes and myopia is no longer progressing, we may transition to standard glasses or contact lenses, though some patients prefer to continue with Stellest for the vision correction alone.
Getting Help for Stellest Lenses
If you are concerned about your child's myopia or want to learn whether Stellest lenses might be right for your family, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Our eye doctor will evaluate your child's eyes, discuss all available myopia control options, and work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your child's needs and your family's preferences.