A New Era in Myopia Care: FDA Approves Stellest Lenses for Children

For the very first time, parents now have access to eyeglass lenses that not only correct blurry vision but also help slow down the long-term effects of nearsightedness. On September 25, 2025, the FDA officially approved Essilor Stellest® lenses—the first spectacle lens designed to manage pediatric myopia progression. This is a true milestone in children’s eye health. 

What Makes These Lenses Different?

Announced on the FDA website, the approval of Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses marks a turning point in how myopia can be managed. Unlike standard glasses that only sharpen vision, these lenses also work to influence how the eye develops. 

Highlights From Clinical Studies

• Children wearing Stellest lenses saw a 71% slower rate of myopia progression over two years compared to those with traditional single-vision lenses

• Eye growth (axial length) was reduced by 53% in the same period

• The trials reported no serious safety concerns

Traditional glasses sharpen vision, but they don’t change the way the eye grows. Stellest lenses do both. Their unique design combines a clear central zone for crisp vision with a surrounding ring of tiny “lenslets” that gently shift how light enters the eye. This signal helps slow down the elongation of the eyeball—the main driver of worsening myopia.

Why This Approval Matters for Families

• Earlier intervention: Authorized for kids as young as 6

• Low-risk option: A safe, easy alternative to contact lenses for younger children

• Expanded choices: Until now, the only FDA-approved myopia control device was a contact lens for ages 8-12

• Global importance: With myopia rates rising worldwide, early care is more urgent than ever

What Families Should Keep in Mind

Although Stellest lenses are an exciting new tool, parents should understand the following:

• Some kids may notice mild side effects such as halos or light blur

• The lenses slow myopia but don’t stop it completely

• Availability outside the U.S. will depend on each country’s regulations

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Vision for Life

Nearsightedness isn’t just about glasses. It’s about long-term eye health. Higher levels of myopia later in life increase the risk of conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.

That’s why starting treatment early is so important. Alongside advanced options like Stellest lenses, lifestyle habits—such as spending more time outdoors and balancing screen use—play a powerful role in protecting healthy vision.

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Insight Vision Center Optometry: Supporting Families in Orange County and Your Partner in Myopia Management

At Insight Vision Center Optometry, staying at the forefront of innovation is part of our commitment to families in Orange County. The approval of Stellest lenses gives us an exciting new way to safeguard your child’s long-term vision.

If your child is nearsighted, now is the time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our team will guide you through available myopia control options and keep you updated on the latest treatments.

👉 Schedule your appointment with Insight Vision Center Optometry today