Stellest vs Contact Lens Options
Understanding Your Myopia Control Options
Myopia control refers to treatments designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. When myopia progresses rapidly, it increases the risk of serious eye problems later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Myopia control strategies aim to reduce these long-term risks by limiting how much the prescription increases each year.
Children who are already nearsighted and those who develop myopia at a young age are the best candidates for these treatments. Starting early gives us the greatest opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your child's eye health over time.
Myopia control treatments include several approaches beyond specialty lenses. Low-dose atropine eye drops are another common option that may slow progression. Increasing outdoor time and managing near-work habits can also play a protective role. In some cases, we may recommend combination therapy using both optical correction and drops if progression continues.
You might notice your child squinting to see the board at school, sitting very close to the television, or complaining of headaches after reading. Frequent requests to move closer to objects or difficulty recognizing faces from a distance are also common signs. If your child already wears glasses and the prescription keeps getting stronger each year, myopia management can help slow that trend.
Regular eye exams allow us to catch these changes early. We measure how quickly the prescription is changing and assess whether myopia control would benefit your child.
Certain factors make it more likely that a child's myopia will worsen quickly. A family history of nearsightedness is one of the strongest predictors, especially if both parents are myopic. Children who develop myopia before age eight tend to experience faster progression. Spending a lot of time on close-up tasks like reading, homework, or screen use without breaks can also contribute to worsening nearsightedness.
- Both parents are nearsighted
- Myopia diagnosed before age eight
- Limited time spent outdoors
- Extended periods of close-up work without breaks
- Rapid prescription changes year over year
Research shows that myopia control may be more effective when we start treatment soon after nearsightedness is diagnosed. The earlier we begin, the more total progression we may be able to prevent over the years your child's eyes are still growing. Waiting until myopia becomes severe means missing valuable time when we could have been slowing the process.
By beginning myopia control now, you are supporting your child's long-term vision health. Even modest slowing of progression can reduce the likelihood of vision-threatening complications decades from now.
Stellest Lenses: Features and Benefits
Stellest lenses use a special design that creates peripheral myopic defocus via hundreds of tiny lenslets. The center of the lens provides clear distance vision, just like regular glasses. Surrounding that central zone, the lenslets create a specific defocus signal. This signal encourages the eye to slow its elongation, which is the main cause of myopia progression. The primary outcome we monitor is reduced axial elongation, the lengthening of the eyeball.
In multi-year clinical studies, Stellest has shown roughly 60 to 70 percent slowing of myopia progression compared to single-vision lenses when worn full-time. Results vary among individual children, and consistent wear of at least 12 hours per day is important for effectiveness. This technology is aligned with current 2025 recommendations for optical myopia control.
Children wear Stellest lenses just like regular eyeglasses throughout the day. The lenses look similar to standard spectacles from a distance, though up close you may notice the lenslet pattern. Most children adapt quickly and do not notice any difference in their vision quality. They can participate in all their usual activities, including schoolwork, playtime, and sports.
- Wear glasses for at least 12 hours each day for best results
- Put them on in the morning and wear them until evening
- Remove them only for bathing, swimming, or sleeping
- Clean lenses daily with appropriate cleaner and a soft cloth
Stellest lenses work well for children who already wear glasses comfortably and consistently. They are ideal for younger children who may not yet be ready for the responsibility of contact lenses. Families who prefer a non-invasive option without the need for lens insertion or removal often choose Stellest.
Children who are motivated to wear their glasses all day tend to see the best outcomes. Those who frequently forget or refuse to wear glasses may not achieve the full benefit, since consistent wear is essential for effectiveness.
Most children adjust to Stellest lenses within a few days to a week. Some may notice slight differences in peripheral vision at first, but this sensation typically fades quickly as the brain adapts. We will schedule a follow-up visit within the first few weeks to ensure your child is comfortable and wearing the lenses consistently.
If your child experiences ongoing discomfort, headaches, or visual disturbances, we will reassess the fit and prescription. Minor adjustments often resolve these issues.
While Stellest lenses offer significant benefits, they may not suit every child. Active children who play contact sports may find glasses inconvenient or worry about breakage. The lenses require consistent all-day wear, which can be challenging for children who dislike wearing glasses. Stellest lenses are also typically more expensive than standard spectacles and may not be covered by insurance.
- Glasses can break or get lost during active play
- May fog up during temperature changes or physical activity
- Some children feel self-conscious wearing glasses
- Require daily cleaning and careful handling
Contact Lens Options for Myopia Control
Orthokeratology, often called ortho-k, involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight while you sleep. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. When your child wakes up and removes the lenses, they typically can see clearly throughout the day without glasses or contacts, though some children may experience slight end-of-day blur or may need backup glasses for certain tasks. The reshaping effect also slows the eye's growth, reducing myopia progression.
Ortho-k is particularly appealing for children who want freedom from glasses or daytime contacts. It requires careful nightly insertion and removal, along with strict hygiene practices. Studies show ortho-k can slow myopia progression significantly when used consistently.
Ortho-k is not ideal for every cornea and may be limited by high astigmatism, ocular surface disease, or concerns about adherence to care routines. Early follow-up visits are frequent and important. We typically schedule a check the morning after the first night of wear, then at one week, one month, and at regular intervals thereafter to monitor corneal health and treatment response using specialized imaging.
Multifocal soft contact lenses designed for myopia control are worn during the day, similar to regular contacts. These lenses have a special design that provides clear central vision while creating peripheral defocus to slow eye growth. They are made from comfortable, breathable materials. Specific myopia-control designs and indications vary, though the materials themselves are approved for daily wear.
- Insert lenses in the morning and remove before bed
- Available in daily disposable or monthly replacement options
- Provide clear vision throughout the day without glasses
- Require proper cleaning and storage for reusable types
- Must be replaced on schedule to maintain safety and effectiveness
Daily disposable options generally reduce the care burden and may lower some infection risks compared to reusable lenses, though good hand hygiene and handling practices remain essential for all contact lens types.
Both ortho-k and multifocal soft lenses slow myopia by influencing how light focuses on the retina. They create a pattern of focus and defocus that signals the eye to reduce its rate of elongation. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, current clinical evidence shows that both approaches can slow progression compared to standard glasses or single-vision contacts.
The key to success with any contact lens option is consistent wear and proper care. Missing days or cutting corners on hygiene can reduce effectiveness and increase infection risk.
There is no strict minimum age for contact lenses, but maturity and responsibility are crucial. We typically recommend that children be able to follow detailed hygiene instructions, remember daily care routines, and communicate any discomfort or problems. Many children as young as eight or nine successfully wear myopia control contacts, while others may need to wait until they are older.
We will assess your child's readiness during the consultation. Factors we consider include their ability to handle the lenses independently, their consistency with other daily routines, and their motivation to wear contacts.
Contact lens wear requires a consistent routine to maintain eye health and treatment effectiveness. For daytime soft lenses, your child will insert clean lenses each morning and remove them before bed. Daily disposables are discarded after one use, while reusable lenses must be cleaned and stored properly every night. Ortho-k lenses are inserted at bedtime, worn overnight, and removed upon waking, followed by cleaning and storage.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses
- Follow the exact cleaning and storage steps we teach you
- Never use water or saliva on lenses
- Replace lenses and solutions on the recommended schedule
- Remove lenses immediately if eyes become red, painful, or irritated
Comparing the Two Approaches
Both Stellest lenses and myopia control contact lenses have strong evidence supporting their effectiveness when compared to standard single-vision correction. Clinical trials show that Stellest lenses may reduce refractive progression and axial elongation by around 60 to 70 percent over two to three years when worn consistently. Ortho-k typically slows axial length growth, with outcomes varying by the child's baseline age and myopia level. Soft multifocal and myopia-control contact lens designs often provide moderate slowing, with daily disposable designs differing from monthly options in some studies. Reported reductions in progression range from 30 to 60 percent depending on the specific lens design, wear patterns, and study duration.
We track both prescription changes and axial length measurements to assess how well the treatment is slowing the underlying disease process. No single option works for every child, and individual results vary. We monitor progress closely and adjust the treatment if needed to achieve the best outcome for your child.
Stellest lenses offer the simplicity of regular glasses with minimal daily care beyond cleaning. Children put them on in the morning and wear them all day, making them a low-maintenance choice. Contact lenses require more effort, including insertion, removal, and strict hygiene practices. However, many children and families find the freedom from glasses worth the extra steps.
Ortho-k lenses eliminate the need for vision correction during the day, which appeals to active children. Daily disposable soft lenses reduce care time compared to reusable options, though they may cost more over time.
Myopia control treatments are generally more expensive than standard vision correction. Stellest lenses cost more than regular spectacle lenses and need to be replaced as your child's prescription changes or the frames are outgrown. Contact lens options involve initial fitting fees, the cost of lenses, and ongoing expenses for solutions and replacements. Ortho-k typically has higher upfront costs but may be more economical over several years.
- Many vision insurance plans do not cover myopia control treatments
- Some plans offer partial reimbursement for contact lenses or special spectacles
- Flexible spending accounts may help cover out-of-pocket costs
- We can provide documentation to submit to your insurance for consideration
Stellest lenses carry minimal risk beyond those of regular eyeglasses, such as potential breakage or minor adjustment issues. Contact lenses introduce a small risk of eye infections, particularly if hygiene practices are not followed carefully. Overnight lens wear, such as ortho-k, has a higher infection risk than daily wear soft lenses and requires strict avoidance of all water exposure. Serious complications remain rare when lenses are used as directed and hygiene protocols are followed closely.
We will teach you and your child how to minimize risks through proper hygiene and care. Key safety rules for contact lens wear include the following.
- Never sleep in soft contact lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear
- Keep all water away from lenses and cases, including no showering or swimming in lenses and no tap water for rinsing
- Replace lens cases regularly and air-dry them daily between uses
- Never top off old solution, always use fresh solution
- Stop lens wear immediately and seek same-day care for pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or discharge
If any signs of infection or injury appear, remove lenses immediately, do not reinsert them, and contact us for prompt evaluation.
For children involved in sports or outdoor activities, contact lenses often provide greater freedom and safety. Ortho-k is especially popular among young athletes because it eliminates the need for any vision correction during the day. Multifocal soft lenses also work well for active lifestyles, staying in place during physical activity better than glasses.
Children who prefer the look and feel of glasses, or who are not yet ready for the responsibility of contact lenses, may thrive with Stellest. Personal preference and comfort play a significant role in treatment success, so we encourage you to discuss your child's feelings and daily routine with us.
Making the Right Choice for Your Child
During your consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to measure your child's current prescription and assess the health of their eyes. We also measure the length of the eye and the curvature of the cornea, which helps us predict how quickly myopia may progress. Additional tests may include pupil size measurement and evaluation of how well your child's eyes focus and work together.
- Refraction to determine the exact prescription
- Axial length measurement to track eye growth over time
- Corneal topography to map the shape of the cornea
- Slit lamp exam to check overall eye health
- Discussion of medical history and family history of myopia
Our recommendation will be based on a combination of clinical findings and lifestyle factors. We consider your child's age, prescription, rate of progression, and eye health. We also discuss your child's daily activities, preferences, and readiness for contact lens wear. Your family's schedule, budget, and comfort level with different care routines are equally important.
Sometimes one option is clearly the best fit, while other times both approaches could work well. We will walk you through the pros and cons specific to your child's situation.
Many children are good candidates for either Stellest lenses or myopia control contacts. In these cases, personal preference often becomes the deciding factor. We may suggest trying one option first and switching later if it does not work out. Some families even choose to use both approaches at different times, such as wearing Stellest during the school year and switching to contacts for summer activities.
Flexibility is possible, and we will support you in finding the approach that your child will wear consistently and comfortably.
Your consultation visit typically lasts about an hour and includes time for testing, discussion, and questions. We will explain each option in detail and show you examples of the lenses. If your child is interested in contact lenses, we may have them try inserting and removing a practice lens to gauge their readiness. You will leave the visit with a clear understanding of the recommended treatment and next steps.
We encourage you to bring any questions you have thought of ahead of time. There is no pressure to decide immediately, and we want you to feel confident in your choice.
Care and Follow-Up for Myopia Control
Caring for Stellest lenses is similar to caring for any eyeglasses. Clean the lenses daily with a lens cleaner recommended by our office and a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels or clothing, which can scratch the lenses. Store glasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent damage.
- Spray both sides of lenses with cleaner and wipe gently
- Rinse under lukewarm water if lenses are visibly dirty
- Keep a backup pair of regular glasses in case of breakage
- Bring glasses to all follow-up visits for inspection
Contact lens care requires careful attention to hygiene. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Use only the cleaning and storage solutions we recommend, and replace them regularly. Never top off old solution in the case, and replace the lens case every one to three months. Follow the exact wear and replacement schedule for your child's specific lens type.
For ortho-k lenses, use the prescribed cleaning system each morning after removal and store lenses in fresh solution during the day. For daily disposable soft lenses, discard lenses after each use and never reuse them. For reusable soft lenses, clean and store them every night according to the instructions we provide.
Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor how well the treatment is working and ensure your child's eyes remain healthy. We typically schedule visits every three to six months, depending on the treatment type and your child's response. At each visit, we measure your child's prescription, check eye growth, and assess lens fit and comfort.
These visits allow us to catch any issues early and make adjustments as needed. Consistent follow-up gives us the best chance to maximize the effectiveness of myopia control.
If your child is not adjusting well to the initial treatment choice, or if progression continues despite treatment, we may recommend adjustments. This could mean changing the lens design, increasing wear time, or switching to a different myopia control method altogether. Some children start with Stellest and later transition to contacts, or vice versa, based on changing needs and preferences.
Our goal is to find the solution your child will use consistently and that provides meaningful slowing of myopia. We remain flexible and responsive to your feedback throughout the process.
While serious complications are rare, certain symptoms require prompt evaluation. If your child experiences sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, intense redness, discharge, or light sensitivity, remove contact lenses immediately and do not reinsert them. Contact our office for same-day urgent evaluation. If symptoms are severe or it is after hours, go to urgent care or the emergency room. For contact lens wearers, any persistent discomfort, redness that does not improve after lens removal, or white spots on the cornea also warrant urgent attention.
- Sudden decrease in vision that does not improve with blinking
- Severe or worsening pain in or around the eye
- Significant redness that lasts more than a few hours
- Discharge or excessive tearing
- Flashes of light or new floaters, especially with a curtain or shadow in your vision, which may indicate a retinal emergency
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, switching between Stellest lenses and myopia control contacts is possible and sometimes recommended based on changing needs or preferences. Many children start with one option and transition to another as they mature or as their lifestyle changes, and both approaches can be effective at different stages.
Most children benefit from continuing myopia control treatment until their late teens or early twenties, when eye growth typically stabilizes, though some patients may continue progressing into adulthood. We will monitor your child's progression at regular intervals and discuss when it may be appropriate to transition to standard vision correction, which is usually when myopia has remained stable for at least one to two years. Stopping certain treatments can sometimes lead to rebound or catch-up progression, so discontinuation should be planned and carefully monitored.
Coverage varies widely among insurance plans. Some vision plans provide partial reimbursement for specialty lenses, while others consider myopia control an elective or preventive service not covered by standard benefits. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before starting treatment and can provide itemized receipts and documentation to help you seek reimbursement.
Choosing not to pursue myopia control means your child will likely continue to progress at their natural rate, which may result in a higher final prescription. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and other sight-threatening conditions later in life, though not everyone with high myopia will experience these complications.
Children using myopia control treatments should wear their prescribed lenses as consistently as possible for maximum benefit. Occasional breaks for special circumstances are usually acceptable, but frequently switching to regular glasses or contacts can reduce the treatment's effectiveness, so we encourage consistent daily use of the myopia control option you choose.
Getting Help for Stellest vs Contact Lens Options
Choosing the right myopia control option for your child is an important decision that impacts both their daily life and long-term eye health. We are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations based on your child's unique needs. Schedule a consultation with us to explore which option will help your child see clearly today while protecting their vision for the future.