Stellest Lenses
Understanding Stellest Lenses and How They Work
Stellest lenses are prescription eyeglass lenses made by Essilor specifically for children with progressive myopia. Unlike regular single-vision glasses that only correct blurry distance vision, Stellest lenses are built with special technology to help manage how quickly your child's nearsightedness worsens. They look like normal glasses from the outside, so your child can wear them throughout the day just like any other pair of eyeglasses.
These lenses are clinically studied for myopia management and are used by eye care professionals to help slow progression in many children. They represent a non-invasive option for children who need vision correction and myopia control at the same time.
Stellest lenses use what is called H.A.L.T. technology, which stands for Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target. The lens surface contains many tiny lenslets, not usually noticeable to your child, arranged in a ring pattern around the central viewing zone. These lenslets create simultaneous myopic defocus intended to reduce the stimulus for eye elongation.
- The central zone provides clear vision for everyday activities
- Hundreds of tiny lenslets surround the central area
- Each lenslet works together to create simultaneous myopic defocus that may slow eye elongation
- The lenslets are so small that they typically do not interfere with your child's vision
Myopia gets worse when the eyeball grows too long from front to back, measured as axial length. The special lenslets in Stellest create simultaneous myopic defocus while still letting your child see clearly through the center of the lens. Research suggests that this defocus profile may reduce the stimulus that causes the eye to keep elongating.
When your child wears Stellest lenses consistently, the goal is to slow down how much their prescription increases each year. This approach does not stop myopia completely, but it may reduce the rate of progression significantly.
Regular single-vision glasses simply correct your child's current prescription so they can see clearly at a distance. They do not address the underlying progression of myopia. Stellest lenses provide that same clear central vision but add the myopia management component through the surrounding lenslet area.
- Regular single-vision spectacles correct vision but do not slow progression
- Stellest combines correction with myopia control technology
- Your child will likely not notice a visual difference when looking through the center
- Stellest requires consistent daily wear to provide the intended benefit
Who Is a Good Candidate for Stellest Lenses
Stellest lenses are designed for children, typically from school-age through the mid-teen years, with emphasis on earlier ages when myopia often progresses most rapidly. Our eye doctor will consider your child's current prescription level and their history of prescription changes. Generally, children with low to moderate myopia who show signs of progression are good candidates.
We also take into account whether your child can wear glasses comfortably all day and follow care instructions. Younger children who are not yet ready for contact lenses may find Stellest an ideal option.
Practical factors that affect candidacy include your child's specific refractive range, the amount of astigmatism, evidence of documented progression over time, and willingness to wear spectacles full-time. We also consider whether there are any other eye conditions, such as amblyopia or significant imbalance between the two eyes, that may require a tailored approach. Our eye doctor will review all these factors during the evaluation.
If your child's prescription has increased at each annual exam, that is a clear sign of progressive myopia. Other signs include your child needing to sit closer to the board at school, squinting to see distant objects, or complaining of eye strain after visual tasks. Frequent headaches can also be related to uncorrected or worsening nearsightedness.
- Prescription changes of 0.50 diopters (units of lens power) or more per year
- Difficulty seeing the board or TV from a normal distance
- Squinting or closing one eye to see clearly
- Complaints of blurry vision even with current glasses
Some children are at higher risk for rapid myopia progression. If one or both parents are nearsighted, your child has a greater chance of developing and worsening myopia. Children who spend a lot of time on near work, such as reading or screen time, and limited time outdoors may also progress faster.
Younger children who develop myopia, especially before age eight, tend to experience more progression over their growing years. In these cases, early intervention with myopia control can be especially beneficial.
While Stellest lenses provide optical myopia control, certain lifestyle habits may also support healthier eye development. These steps work alongside treatment but are not replacements for clinical myopia management.
- Encourage at least one to two hours of outdoor time each day
- Use the 20-20-20 rule during near work: every twenty minutes, look at something twenty feet away for twenty seconds
- Maintain a proper working distance when reading or using devices, typically at least one foot
- Ensure good lighting for homework and screen use
- Limit prolonged close-up device use when possible
Traditional single-vision glasses help your child see clearly today, but they do not address the long-term risks of high myopia. High myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. When we see that your child's myopia is progressing quickly, we may recommend a myopia management strategy like Stellest.
If you notice that your child needs a stronger prescription every year, it may be time to consider more than just standard glasses.
The Fitting and Adjustment Process
During the evaluation, we will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your child's current prescription and overall eye health. We measure the rate at which your child's myopia has been progressing by reviewing previous exam records. We also discuss your child's daily habits, family history, and any concerns you have about their vision.
- Review of past prescriptions to track progression
- Discussion of your child's lifestyle and visual demands
- Assessment of eye health and suitability for Stellest
- Explanation of how the lenses work and what to expect
We take several measurements to ensure the best fit and effectiveness of Stellest lenses. This includes measuring the distance between your child's pupils, the fitting height and centration of the lenses in the frame, and the axial length (the front-to-back length of the eyeball) using specialized instruments. Axial length measurement is especially important because it tells us how much the eye has grown and helps us monitor future changes.
We also perform a detailed refraction to determine the exact prescription needed. Our pediatric myopia management evaluation may include cycloplegic refraction when indicated to ensure the most accurate prescription, a binocular vision assessment to check how the eyes work together, a comprehensive ocular health evaluation including dilation when appropriate, and a baseline axial length measurement if available. All of these steps help us customize the lenses and establish a baseline for tracking progress over time.
Choosing the right frames is important for both comfort and effectiveness. We help you select frames that fit your child's face well and are durable enough for daily wear. The frames need to position the lenses correctly in front of your child's eyes so that the central viewing zone aligns properly.
- Frames should fit securely without pinching or sliding
- The size must be appropriate for the lens design to work correctly
- Durable materials are recommended for active children
- Adjustable nose pads or temples can improve comfort
Many children adjust to Stellest lenses within a few days, though some may take a week or two. Some may notice slight differences in peripheral vision at first, but this typically resolves as they adapt. We encourage your child to wear the lenses consistently from the start to help their eyes and brain adjust to the new technology.
If your child experiences any dizziness, headaches, or discomfort that lasts more than a few days, contact our office. Minor adaptation symptoms are normal, but persistent issues should be evaluated to confirm proper fit, centration, and prescription accuracy.
Once we finalize the prescription and frame selection, the lenses are custom-made for your child. This process usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the lab and lens specifications. We will contact you when the glasses are ready and schedule a pickup appointment.
At pickup, we make sure the frames fit properly, the lenses are positioned correctly, and your child feels comfortable. We also review care instructions and answer any questions before you leave.
Wearing and Maintaining Stellest Lenses Daily
For the best results, your child should aim for full-time wear during waking hours; clinical studies often target around twelve hours per day. The more consistently your child wears them, the more effective the myopia control benefit may be. We recommend that your child puts the glasses on first thing in the morning and keeps them on until bedtime.
If your child has difficulty maintaining consistent wear time, please contact our office. We can discuss any barriers to wearing the glasses and may consider alternative myopia control strategies if needed.
- Aim for full-time wear during waking hours, typically at least twelve hours
- Encourage all-day wear during school and after-school activities
- Consistency is key to maximizing the treatment effect
- Brief breaks for bathing or swimming are fine
Proper cleaning keeps the lenses clear and prevents scratches. We recommend using a gentle lens cleaner or mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Have your child rinse the lenses first to remove any dust or debris, then gently rub both sides with clean fingers, and rinse again before drying with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid using paper towels, tissues, or clothing to wipe the lenses, as these materials can cause fine scratches over time. Store the glasses in a protective case when not in use.
Your child can participate in most sports and activities while wearing Stellest lenses. For contact sports or activities with a higher risk of impact, we may recommend protective sports goggles that fit over the glasses or discuss alternative myopia control options for those specific times. Securing the glasses with a sports strap can help keep them in place during active play.
We recommend impact-resistant lens materials such as polycarbonate or Trivex for all children, especially those who are active in sports. For contact or ball sports, sport-rated protective eyewear designed to meet safety standards provides an extra layer of protection.
Swimming requires removing the glasses, so those hours will not count toward daily wear time. Encourage your child to put the glasses back on as soon as they finish swimming and dry off.
Scratches on the lenses can reduce visual clarity and comfort, which may reduce wear time and potential benefit. If you notice scratches, contact our office so we can assess whether the lenses need to be replaced. Deep scratches, cracks, or chips require immediate replacement.
- Inspect the lenses regularly for damage
- Contact our office if you see significant scratches or cracks
- Keep a backup pair of regular glasses if possible
- Follow care instructions carefully to minimize damage
Contact our office if your child reports ongoing blurry vision, double vision, or eye pain while wearing Stellest lenses. Persistent headaches, dizziness, or nausea can also indicate a problem with the fit or prescription. Redness, discharge, or light sensitivity may signal an eye infection or other condition that needs prompt evaluation.
Any sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, a curtain or veil over the field of vision, or sudden peripheral vision loss requires immediate medical attention. Eye injury or significant impact to the head or eye area also needs urgent evaluation. While rare, these symptoms can indicate a serious issue that needs urgent care.
Monitoring Your Child's Progress with Stellest
We typically schedule follow-up visits every six months to monitor how well the lenses are working. At these appointments, we check your child's current prescription, measure the axial length of the eye, and assess overall eye health. We also ask about how many hours per day your child is wearing the lenses and whether there have been any issues with comfort or vision.
These regular check-ins allow us to track myopia progression and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. If you notice changes in your child's vision or if the glasses are not being worn consistently between scheduled visits, please return to the office sooner. Consistent monitoring is an important part of successful myopia management.
Clinical studies comparing Stellest to standard single-vision lenses over specific trial periods have reported reductions in myopia progression averaging around sixty-seven percent when the lenses are worn at least twelve hours a day. These results are based on controlled study conditions and specific endpoints, and individual outcomes depend on many factors including age, genetics, lifestyle, and how consistently your child wears the lenses.
Some children may experience more benefit, while others may see less. A meaningful number of children continue to show progression even with good wear compliance, which is why ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan are essential. The goal is to slow progression and reduce long-term risks, not to stop myopia entirely.
The most reliable sign that Stellest is working is a slower rate of prescription changes compared to before treatment. If your child's prescription used to increase by one diopter per year and now increases by only half that amount or less, the lenses are likely providing benefit. Stable axial length measurements over time also indicate effectiveness.
You may not notice dramatic changes in your child's day-to-day vision, but the long-term protection against high myopia is the true value of this treatment.
If your child's myopia continues to progress rapidly despite consistent wear of Stellest lenses, we may consider adding or switching to another myopia control method. We also update the prescription in the Stellest lenses as your child's vision changes. If your child has difficulty tolerating the lenses or wearing them for the recommended hours, we will discuss alternative options.
Each child responds differently, so we tailor the treatment plan to meet your child's specific needs and circumstances.
How Stellest Compares to Other Myopia Control Options
Orthokeratology, or ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This allows clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts and also provides myopia control. Stellest lenses, on the other hand, are worn during the day like regular glasses and require no overnight lens wear.
- Ortho-K requires nightly contact lens insertion and removal
- Stellest is worn during the day and removed at night
- Ortho-K may be better for children who do not want to wear glasses
- Stellest may be easier for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses
Low-dose atropine eye drops are used once daily, usually at bedtime, to slow myopia progression. This treatment does not correct vision, so your child will still need glasses or contact lenses for clear sight. Stellest lenses provide both vision correction and myopia control in one device, which some families find more convenient.
Both options have strong evidence supporting their effectiveness. The choice often depends on your child's age, lifestyle, and your family's preferences. We can discuss the pros and cons of each approach during your visit.
Soft multifocal contact lenses designed for myopia control are worn during the day, similar to regular contacts, and provide both clear vision and a myopia management effect. These may be a good choice for older children who are comfortable with contact lens care. Stellest lenses offer a similar benefit but in a glasses format, which avoids the need for daily lens insertion and removal.
Children who already wear contact lenses successfully might prefer multifocal lenses, while those who are not yet ready for contacts might do better with Stellest.
In some cases, we may recommend combining treatments for children with very rapid myopia progression. For example, pairing Stellest lenses with low-dose atropine drops can provide an additional level of control. However, combining treatments is not always necessary and should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
- Combination therapy may be considered for rapid progressors
- Not all children need more than one treatment
- We will discuss the benefits and risks of combining options
- The goal is to find the most effective and manageable approach for your child
Frequently Asked Questions
Coverage for Stellest lenses varies by insurance plan. Some vision insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost as part of your child's glasses benefit, while others may not cover specialty myopia control lenses at all. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to ask about coverage for myopia management eyewear. Our office can provide documentation and codes to help you submit a claim if needed.
Most children benefit from wearing Stellest lenses throughout their growing years, typically until myopia progression slows, which often occurs in the mid-to-late teen years but can continue into early adulthood. This could mean wearing the lenses for several years. We will continue to monitor your child's eyes and let you know when it may be safe to transition back to regular single-vision lenses or other vision correction.
When your child's prescription changes, we will order new Stellest lenses with the updated prescription. The myopia control technology is built into each new pair, so the lenses will continue to provide both clear vision and progression management. Regular updates are a normal part of growing up, and the goal is simply to minimize how often and how much the prescription increases.
No, Stellest lenses cannot reverse myopia that has already developed. The aim of these lenses is to slow down future progression, not to reduce the current prescription. Your child will still need vision correction, but the hope is that their final prescription as an adult will be lower than it would have been without intervention.
In available clinical studies, serious adverse effects have not been identified; most issues are short-term adaptation symptoms. Some children may experience minor symptoms like slight peripheral blur or mild discomfort in the first few days, but these usually resolve quickly as the child adapts to the lenses.
If your child has ongoing issues such as persistent headaches, blur, or discomfort beyond the first week or two, we will re-check the prescription, verify the lens centration and fit, and assess binocular vision function to ensure the lenses are working properly. Adjustments can often resolve these concerns.
Getting Help for Stellest Lenses
If you think your child might benefit from Stellest lenses or have questions about myopia control, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our eye doctors will evaluate your child's vision, discuss all available options, and help you make an informed decision about the best path forward for protecting your child's long-term eye health.