Stellest vs. Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
Understanding Both Myopia Control Options
Stellest lenses are eyeglasses designed specifically to slow the progression of myopia in children. They look like regular glasses but use special technology in the lens design to manage how light focuses on the retina.
The lenses have a clear central zone for sharp vision and hundreds of tiny lenslets arranged around that zone. These lenslets create a specific signal that helps reduce the eye's tendency to grow longer, which is the main cause of worsening nearsightedness. Your child wears them just like regular glasses throughout the day.
Multifocal soft contact lenses are daily wear contacts with multiple prescriptions built into each lens. The center typically provides clear distance vision, while the outer zones use different powers to manage how light focuses on different parts of the retina.
This design creates signals that can slow down eye growth, much like the Stellest lenses do but from a contact lens platform. We fit these lenses directly on the eye, and your child removes them every night before bed. Most children who use them for myopia control wear daily disposable versions for the best safety and convenience.
Myopia control results depend on the specific lens design, such as dual-focus versus center-distance multifocal, and the add power used. Not all multifocal contact lenses are intended or validated for myopia control. Some myopia-control soft lenses are specifically designed for myopia management, while some multifocal lens use for this purpose may be off-label depending on the product and region.
Myopia is more than just needing glasses. The higher the prescription becomes, the greater the risk of serious eye problems later in life. High myopia is linked to increased chances of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and other conditions that can threaten vision.
Slowing progression now may mean a lower final prescription when your child finishes growing. Even reducing progression by a small amount can make a meaningful difference in long-term eye health and reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications as an adult.
Some children are at higher risk for rapid myopia progression. If one or both parents are nearsighted, your child is more likely to develop myopia and have it progress more quickly. Starting myopia at a younger age, such as before age eight, also increases the chance of a high final prescription.
- Family history of myopia, especially high myopia in parents
- Early onset of nearsightedness before age eight
- Fast progression, such as worsening by one diopter or more per year
- Spending limited time outdoors and long hours on near tasks like reading or screens
Stellest lenses and multifocal soft contact lenses are two effective options, but other myopia control methods are also commonly used. Orthokeratology uses specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea. Myopia-control dual-focus daily disposable contact lenses offer another lens-based option. Low-dose atropine eye drops can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Lifestyle measures, such as increasing outdoor time and taking regular breaks from near work, also play an important role in managing progression. Our eye doctor will recommend the approach that best fits your child's individual risk profile and daily routine.
Comparing Effectiveness in Slowing Myopia Progression
Clinical trials of Stellest lenses show they can slow myopia progression on average by around 60 percent compared to wearing standard single-vision glasses, measured by both refractive change and axial elongation over multiple years of follow-up. Results vary, and no treatment stops myopia in every child. Some children respond better than others, and outcomes depend on how consistently your child wears the lenses throughout the day.
The technology in Stellest lenses has been tested in clinical trials and clinical practice with children ages 6 to 12. The lenses are typically recommended for full-time wear, ideally most waking hours, and greater wear time is associated with better outcomes. Our eye doctor can review the specific study data with you during your consultation.
Research on multifocal soft contact lenses for myopia control shows they can slow progression by an average of 30 to 50 percent compared to single-vision lenses, though reported average slowing varies by study design, lens design, baseline age, and follow-up duration. Some myopia-control soft lens designs have received market authorization or clearance specifically for myopia management, while other multifocal lenses may be used for this purpose off-label depending on the jurisdiction and product.
Many studies have followed children wearing these lenses over several years. The exact reduction varies based on the specific lens design, how long the child wears the lenses each day, and individual response. Some newer designs may offer even better outcomes. We stay current with the latest evidence to recommend the most effective options available in 2025.
We track your child's myopia control success through regular measurements of their prescription and the length of their eye. At each follow-up visit, we measure the refraction to see if their prescription has changed and use a device called an axial length scanner to measure eye growth. We may also use cycloplegic refraction, which involves dilating drops, periodically for the most accurate measurement in children.
Slowing the rate of change in either measurement compared to what we would expect without treatment is considered success, and slowing axial elongation is often prioritized as a key structural endpoint. Refraction can fluctuate, so we focus on trends over time. Even partial slowing is valuable because it reduces the final prescription your child will have as an adult. We compare your child's progress to typical progression rates and adjust the treatment plan if needed.
Determining the Best Choice for Your Child
Contact lenses require your child to insert, remove, and care for the lenses independently or with your help. Most eye doctors consider children ready for contacts between ages 8 and 12, but readiness depends more on maturity and responsibility than age alone.
Some younger children do very well with contacts if they are motivated and able to follow instructions carefully. We assess your child's readiness during the consultation and involve them in the decision. For children who are not yet ready for contacts, Stellest lenses offer an excellent alternative that requires no special handling beyond normal glasses care.
Active children who play sports or spend a lot of time outdoors may find contact lenses more convenient because they provide a wider field of clear vision and do not slide or fall off. Contacts also eliminate fogging or glare that can happen with glasses during physical activity.
- Contact lenses work well for contact sports where glasses might break or cause injury
- Protective sports eyewear may still be recommended for many sports even with contact lenses, as contacts are not protective equipment
- Stellest lenses are a good fit for children who prefer the simplicity of glasses
- Glasses can be paired with protective sports goggles if needed
- Your child can switch between options if their activity level or preferences change
Multifocal contact lenses require daily insertion, removal, and proper hygiene. Your child needs to wash their hands thoroughly, handle the lenses gently, and dispose of them on schedule. Missing steps or cutting corners can lead to infections or other complications.
If your child struggles with routines or tends to forget important tasks, Stellest lenses may be the safer choice. Glasses simply need to be worn consistently and cleaned with a lens cloth. We help your family weigh your child's track record with responsibility to make the best choice.
Certain eye conditions make one option preferable. Children with dry eye may find contact lenses uncomfortable or may need special lenses and extra rewetting drops. Those with allergies that cause frequent eye rubbing or itching may do better with glasses to avoid irritating the eyes further.
If your child has astigmatism, we may need a special contact lens design, or Stellest lenses may be the simpler choice. Additional factors that may limit contact lens candidacy or require treatment first include:
- Blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction affecting the eyelids and tear film
- Recurrent conjunctivitis or frequent eye infections
- Significant dry eye that has not responded to treatment
- Poor hygiene or handwashing habits that increase infection risk
- Corneal irregularity or scarring from prior injury or disease
We may treat ocular surface issues first before starting contacts. During your consultation, we perform a complete eye exam to identify any factors that might affect your choice. We will recommend the option that supports both myopia control and overall eye health.
The Evaluation, Testing, and Fitting Process
Your myopia control consultation begins with a thorough eye exam. We measure your child's current prescription, check eye health, and assess the degree of myopia. We also discuss your family history, your child's daily activities, and your goals for treatment.
We explain both Stellest and multifocal contact lens options in detail, showing you how each works and what the research says about effectiveness. Together, we identify which option fits your child's needs and lifestyle best. This visit is also the time to ask any questions and address concerns before moving forward.
Fitting Stellest lenses involves measuring your child's prescription with precision. We also measure the distance between their pupils and the position of their eyes behind the frame. These measurements ensure the lenslets are positioned correctly for the best myopia control effect.
- We help your child choose frames that fit properly and that they will enjoy wearing
- The lenses are custom made for your child's measurements and prescription
- Once the glasses arrive, we verify the fit and make any needed adjustments
- We teach your child how to clean the lenses and care for the frames
If we choose multifocal contact lenses, the fitting process includes selecting the right lens design and parameters for your child's eyes. We assess the curvature of the cornea, measure the eye's surface, and evaluate tear film quality. Then we place trial lenses on your child's eyes to check fit and comfort.
Once we confirm the correct lenses, we schedule a training session where your child learns to insert and remove the lenses. We practice with them until they feel confident and can demonstrate proper technique. Parents also learn the steps so you can help at home during the first few weeks. This training is essential for safe and successful contact lens wear.
For Stellest lenses, the timeline typically ranges from one to two weeks. After the initial consultation and measurements, the lenses are ordered and usually arrive within a week or so. Once they arrive, we schedule a dispense visit to ensure the fit is correct and your child is comfortable.
For multifocal contact lenses, the process can be quicker if we have trial lenses available. Some children leave the fitting appointment with their lenses and can start wearing them the next day after practicing at home. If we need to order a specific lens, it may take a few days. We provide a clear timeline during your consultation so you know what to expect.
Daily Use, Care, and Recognizing Warning Signs
Stellest lenses should be worn every day for at least 12 hours to achieve the best myopia control results. Your child wears them during all waking hours, just like regular glasses. They can remove them for bathing or sleeping.
Clean the lenses daily with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Avoid using paper towels or clothing, which can scratch the special lens surface. Store the glasses in a protective case when not in use. If the frames become loose or the lenses get scratched, bring them in for adjustment or replacement.
If your child wears daily disposable multifocal lenses, they insert a fresh pair each morning and throw them away each night. Never reuse daily lenses or sleep in them unless we specifically prescribe lenses approved for overnight wear, which is rare for myopia control in 2025.
- Always wash hands with soap and water before handling lenses
- Never use water, saliva, or anything other than proper contact lens solution
- Do not shower, swim, or use hot tubs while wearing lenses
- Keep all water away from lenses and lens cases
- If reusable lenses are used, use fresh solution every time, do not top off, and rub and rinse as directed
- Dispose of lenses on schedule, whether daily or as directed
- Younger wearers need adult supervision, especially during the first months
- Keep backup glasses available in case your child cannot wear contacts on a given day
- Report any discomfort, redness, or vision changes immediately
Contact lens wearers should watch for signs of problems that require immediate attention. Redness, pain, excessive tearing, light sensitivity, or discharge can indicate an infection or other complication. Additional urgent symptoms include sudden blurred vision or decreased vision, severe light sensitivity, significant pain, corneal haze or white spot, and lid swelling. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, remove the lenses right away and seek urgent eye care the same day.
Do not restart lens wear until cleared by an eye care professional. Even with Stellest lenses, watch for signs of eye strain or discomfort that might mean the prescription needs adjustment. Headaches, squinting, or complaints of blurry vision should be reported. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming serious problems.
Most children adapt to Stellest lenses within a few days. Some notice a slight difference in peripheral vision or need a day or two to get used to the new lens design. These sensations typically resolve quickly as the brain adapts. Both Stellest and multifocal lens designs may cause mild contrast sensitivity reduction or halos around lights, but this usually improves with adaptation and fine-tuning of the prescription.
With multifocal contact lenses, your child may experience mild lens awareness or fluctuating vision for the first few days. Dryness or difficulty inserting and removing lenses is common at first. We schedule a follow-up visit within the first week or two to check progress and address any concerns. Most early issues improve with practice and time.
Follow-Up Visits and Tracking Your Child's Progress
We typically schedule follow-up visits every three to six months during active myopia control treatment. At these visits, we measure your child's prescription and eye length to track changes over time. Regular monitoring helps us confirm the treatment is working and allows us to catch any issues early.
For contact lens wearers, we may see your child more often during the first few months to ensure the lenses fit well and your child is handling them safely. Once everything is stable, visits can space out to every six months. We adjust the schedule based on your child's age, rate of progression, and overall eye health.
At every follow-up, we perform a complete refraction to measure your child's current prescription. We also measure axial length, which is the distance from the front to the back of the eye. An increase in axial length means the eye is growing longer, which causes myopia to worsen.
- Current glasses or contact lens prescription
- Axial length measurement to track eye growth
- Visual acuity to confirm your child is seeing clearly
- Overall eye health exam to check for any problems
Some families start with Stellest lenses and switch to multifocal contacts as the child matures or becomes more interested in sports. Others try contacts first but find glasses are a better fit for their routine. Switching is always an option if the first choice is not working well.
We may recommend switching if your child is not wearing their current option consistently, if they develop discomfort or complications, or if their lifestyle changes significantly. The goal is effective myopia control that fits into your daily life. We support you in making changes whenever they are needed to keep your child on track.
In some cases, we may recommend combining Stellest lenses or multifocal contacts with low-dose atropine eye drops. Atropine is another myopia control treatment that works through a different mechanism. Using both together can sometimes provide better results than either alone.
We consider combination therapy for children with very rapid progression, high myopia, or strong risk factors. Key considerations for low-dose atropine include:
- Atropine is typically used at very low concentrations for myopia control
- Common side effects include light sensitivity and near blur, which may require sunglasses or photochromic lenses
- Some children experience mild allergy or irritation from the drops
- Daily adherence is important for effectiveness
- Use of atropine for myopia control may be off-label depending on region
Evidence for combination therapy is evolving and treatment is individualized. If we recommend atropine, we will explain how to use the drops, what side effects to watch for, and how often your child needs to be monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stellest lenses work best when worn at least 12 hours per day, every day. Wearing them only part-time, such as just for school, reduces their effectiveness. Consistent all-day wear gives the lenslet technology the best chance to slow eye growth. We recommend your child wear them during all waking hours for maximum benefit.
If your child loses or breaks their Stellest glasses, contact us right away so we can order a replacement pair. In the meantime, your child can wear their backup single-vision glasses to see clearly. We encourage families to have a backup pair on hand, and we can discuss warranty or insurance options that may help cover replacement costs.
We do not recommend sleeping in multifocal contact lenses unless they are specifically designed and prescribed for overnight wear. Sleeping in lenses not approved for that use greatly increases the risk of serious infections. Swimming while wearing contacts is also risky because water can introduce bacteria. Your child should remove lenses before swimming and use prescription goggles if needed.
Insurance coverage for myopia control treatments varies widely. Some vision plans cover a portion of the cost, while others do not recognize myopia control as a covered benefit. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about coverage for specialty lenses. Our staff can provide documentation to help you submit claims, and we will work with you to explore all available options.
Yes, switching between Stellest lenses and multifocal contact lenses is absolutely possible. If your child struggles with one option or if their needs change, we can transition to the other. The important thing is finding a solution your child will use consistently. We will guide you through the switch and ensure the new option is fitted properly.
Both Stellest lenses and multifocal contact lenses correct your child's distance vision and are designed to provide functional vision for daily tasks, though some children may notice mild blur or halos initially and may need adjustment. Your child will not need separate glasses or contacts for clear vision. They provide full vision correction along with the added benefit of myopia control technology. Your child may still need periodic prescription updates as they grow.
Getting Help for Stellest vs. Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
Choosing between Stellest lenses and multifocal soft contact lenses is an important decision for your child's vision and long-term eye health. We are here to guide you through every step, from the initial consultation and fitting to ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Schedule a myopia control evaluation with our eye doctor to discuss which option is the best fit for your child and start protecting their vision today.