When considering myopia control options for your child, understanding the safety of Stellest lenses is essential. These specialized glasses use H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology with 1,021 tiny aspherical lenslets arranged in 11 concentric rings to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. The lenses received FDA authorization in September 2025, representing the first spectacle lens authorized specifically to help slow myopia progression in children. We want you to feel confident in your child’s eye care, so we will explain what research shows, what to expect during use, and how we monitor for safety at our Costa Mesa practice.

What Do Clinical Studies Show About Stellest Safety?
Clinical trials conducted on Stellest lenses have demonstrated a strong safety record when used by children with progressive myopia. In a U.S. randomized, double-masked trial involving children aged 6 to 12 years at the start of the study, Stellest wearers showed 71% less refractive progression and 53% less axial elongation over two years compared with children wearing standard single-vision lenses. The research included hundreds of children who wore the lenses daily for extended periods, with careful monitoring of their eye health and visual function.
How Have Children Responded to Wearing Stellest Lenses in Research?
The trials confirmed that children adapted well to the lenses, and the technology showed no signals of adverse ocular development during the study periods. Parents and children reported high satisfaction with comfort and ease of use throughout the study periods. In the available pediatric trials to date, no device-related serious adverse events were reported.
Are Stellest Lenses FDA Approved?
Stellest lenses received FDA authorization under the De Novo pathway in September 2025, making them the first spectacle lens authorized specifically to help slow myopia progression in children. This authorization followed rigorous review of safety, performance, and manufacturing quality data specific to pediatric populations.
The lenses are manufactured to applicable ISO/ANSI spectacle lens standards for pediatric use. At Insight Vision Center Optometry, we dispense myopia management products in accordance with local regulations and clinical guidelines. When discussing Stellest with families, we use the phrasing “FDA authorized” and communicate that these lenses “help slow myopia progression,” avoiding language that implies a cure or guarantee.
How Much Long-Term Safety Data Is Available?
Multi-year studies following children wearing Stellest lenses have not shown concerning patterns of complications or unexpected side effects. The two-year clinical data demonstrates sustained safety throughout the treatment period. No device-related serious adverse events were reported in the published follow-up periods.
While Stellest lenses are newer than traditional single-vision glasses, the available multi-year data supports a favorable safety profile when used as directed with proper monitoring. The clinical efficacy data showing 71% reduction in progression and 53% reduction in axial elongation is based on consistent daily wear of at least 10 hours per day, 6 days per week, with longer daily wear associated with better outcomes. There is currently no evidence of a rebound effect upon discontinuation.
How Does Stellest Safety Compare to Other Myopia Control Options?
Compared to other myopia control methods, Stellest lenses offer certain safety advantages. Unlike contact lenses, they do not touch the eye surface, which eliminates the risk of contact lens-related infections or corneal complications. Compared to atropine eye drops, Stellest lenses do not require daily medication and avoid potential medication side effects such as light sensitivity.

What Are the Main Safety Advantages of Stellest Lenses?

Safety advantages of Stellest lenses include:
Each myopia management modality has been validated through rigorous clinical trials and offers meaningful reductions in myopia progression. At our Costa Mesa practice, we offer all four evidence-based modalities: Stellest lenses (71% efficacy in FDA-authorized U.S. trials), MiSight contact lenses (59% refractive reduction, 52% axial reduction), orthokeratology (36-56% reduction), and low-dose atropine (50-60% efficacy). The choice depends on your child’s age, maturity level, lifestyle, prescription, and family preferences.
What Should I Expect During the First Few Weeks?

Most children need a short adjustment period, typically showing noticeable improvement within the first week and resolving almost completely within two weeks; minor effects like mild peripheral blur or occasional halos around lights resolve in most within 1 week. This adaptation is a normal process and does not indicate a problem with the lenses or your child’s eyes.
What Temporary Visual Effects Are Normal?
Temporary visual effects may include:
What’s the Typical Adjustment Timeline?
Typical timeline for adjustment:

Rare Adverse Events and Warning Signs

When Should I Call the Eye Doctor Right Away?
Warning signs requiring immediate attention:
Who Should Avoid Stellest Lenses

What Age Is Right for Stellest Lenses?
Stellest lenses are FDA authorized for children and are typically prescribed for children aged 6 to 12 years old, though decisions are individualized based on each child’s specific circumstances. Research and FDA authorization begin around age 6, which corresponds with the typical age when myopia often begins to develop and progress most rapidly. The earlier myopia management begins after onset, the more cumulative benefit your child receives over their growing years.
Is There an Age Limit for Stellest?
There is no strict upper age limit, but myopia progression typically slows in the late teen years. We individualize recommendations based on your child’s documented progression and age. Our eye doctors will assess whether Stellest is appropriate based on your child’s age, prescription, visual needs, and ability to comply with consistent wear.
What Eye Conditions Prevent Children from Using Stellest?
Certain pre-existing eye conditions may make Stellest lenses less suitable or require additional considerations. Stellest lenses are designed for children with myopia typically ranging from approximately -0.75D to -4.50D with up to about 1.50D of astigmatism. Children with significant amblyopia, strabismus, or other binocular vision disorders may need these conditions addressed first. Some corneal irregularities or other optical issues might limit the effectiveness of the lens design.
Which Conditions May Require Alternative Treatments?
Conditions that may require alternative approaches:
Many of these are relative rather than absolute contraindications and may be co-managed with additional therapies. Our optometrists will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the best treatment approach for your child’s unique needs.
Do Other Medical Conditions Affect Stellest Safety?
Most general medical conditions do not prevent a child from safely wearing Stellest lenses. However, we consider certain factors during our evaluation. Children with developmental delays that affect their ability to communicate visual symptoms may require modified monitoring approaches. Skin conditions affecting the face may need dermatological clearance before frame wear.
We will discuss your child’s complete medical history to identify any factors that might influence the safety or success of Stellest lens treatment. This comprehensive approach ensures we recommend the safest and most appropriate option for your individual child.
Do Other Medical Conditions Affect Stellest Safety?
If Stellest lenses are not appropriate for your child, we have other proven myopia control options to consider at Insight Vision Center Optometry. Modern myopia management recognizes that no single treatment fits every child, and the four primary modalities we offer have each been validated through rigorous clinical trials. The best alternative depends on why Stellest is not suitable and your child’s specific needs and circumstances.
What Other Myopia Management Options Do You Offer?
Alternative myopia management options:
What Happens at the Initial Stellest Fitting?
Before we prescribe Stellest lenses, we perform a comprehensive eye examination to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your child. This evaluation includes measuring the prescription, assessing eye health, checking eye coordination and focusing ability, and evaluating the overall condition of the eyes. We look for any factors that might affect safety or treatment success.

What’s the Recommended Appointment Schedule?
Typical follow-up schedule:
What Happens at the Initial Stellest Fitting?

How Should I Clean My Child’s Stellest Lenses?
Although spectacle lenses do not contact the eye directly, keeping them clean supports comfort, reduces skin irritation, and keeps vision clear. Stellest lenses are cared for just like any other eyeglasses. We recommend daily cleaning with appropriate lens cleaner or mild soap and water.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Stellest Lenses?
Proper cleaning steps:
The anti-smudge coating helps keep lenses cleaner between cleanings, but daily cleaning maintains the best vision and comfort.
What Safe Handling Habits Should My Child Learn?
Safe handling habits:
How Can I Protect My Child’s Stellest Lenses from Damage?
Stellest lenses are constructed from polycarbonate, a lightweight, impact-resistant material that offers 100% ultraviolet protection and includes an anti-smudge coating. Choose impact-resistant materials such as polycarbonate or Trivex for children to enhance durability and inherent UV protection. A sports strap can help keep glasses secure during active play.
Can My Child Wear Stellest Lenses During Sports?
Children can participate in most sports while wearing Stellest lenses, as the polycarbonate material provides excellent impact resistance for general athletic activities. However, for contact sports or high-speed activities where facial impact is likely, some families choose to use a spare pair of single-vision glasses or switch to contact lenses specifically for the sporting event, then resume wearing Stellest immediately afterward. For contact and ball sports, we recommend prescription sports goggles that meet appropriate sports safety standards, or remove glasses and store them safely during play.
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Protect Your Child’s Vision with Expert Myopia Management in Costa Mesa
Our eye doctors at Insight Vision Center Optometry are here to answer any questions you have about the safety of Stellest lenses for your child. We will thoroughly evaluate your child before recommending any myopia control treatment and will monitor their progress closely throughout the process. We will review wear time, outdoor time, near-work habits, and fitting parameters at each visit to support both safety and effectiveness. If you have concerns at any point during treatment, please contact our office so we can address them promptly and ensure your child’s eyes remain healthy and comfortable.
Slowing your child’s myopia progression by just one diopter reduces their lifetime risk of macular degeneration by 40%, retinal detachment by approximately 30%, visual impairment by 20%, and open-angle glaucoma by 20%. The younger a child is when myopia begins, the more years they have ahead of them for progression, and the higher their ultimate prescription is likely to be. Early intervention delivers the strongest benefit, and starting treatment when myopia is still mild preserves more of the eye’s natural structure.

Ready to Protect Your Child’s Future Vision?
At Insight Vision Center Optometry in Costa Mesa, we offer all four evidence-based myopia management options—Stellest lenses, orthokeratology, multifocal soft contact lenses, and low-dose atropine therapy. Our Orange County optometry team will create a personalized treatment plan that fits your child’s lifestyle and vision needs.
Schedule your no-charge myopia evaluation today (valued at $150-250).
Call us at 714-942-1361 or book online at insightvisionoc.com
Serving families throughout Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, and Orange County.
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