If your child needs glasses to see far away, you've probably heard the word myopia, or nearsightedness. It means distant objects look blurry because the eye has grown a little too long. Myopia is very common- and it's becoming more common in children around the world. 

While regular glasses help kids see clearly, they don't stop the eyes from continuing to grow longer. That's why many children's prescriptions get stonger year after year. But now there's good news- a new type of lens called the Stellest™ lens can help slow down that progression. 

What is the Stellest™ lens?

Stellest lenses look just like regular eyeglass lenses, but they're much smarter on the inside. They were developed by EssilorLuxottica, a leading eye-care company, and are designed especially for children with myopia. 

The goal is simple: help your child see clearly and reduce how quickly their vision gets worse over time. 

How do Stellest™ Lenses Work?

The secret is in the lens design.

The center of the lens works like a normal single-vision lens to give sharp, clear vision.

Around that center are tiny, invisible lenslets arranged in gentle rings. These small lenslets change how light focuses inside the eye.

This pattern sends a signal to the eye to slow it's growth. When the eye doesn't grow as quickly, the myopia progresses more slowly.

In short, the lens lets your child see well today, while helping protect their eyesight for tomorrow.

What Do the Studies Show? 

Clinical studies around the world- and now approved by the U.S. FDA- have shown impressive results:

•  Children who wore Stellest lenses at least 12 hours a day had about two-thirds less worsening of their myopia over two years compared to kids wearing regular glasses.
• Their eyes also showed less physical growth (which is what leads to stronger prescriptions).
• The lenses are comfortable and provide clear vision for everyday activities like school, reading, and sports.

That's a big step forward for children's eye health!

Why Slowing Myopia Matters.

It's not just about needing stronger glasses. Higher levels of myopia later in life increase the risk of serious eye problems such as: 

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Myopic maculopathy (damage to the retina from stretching)

The less myopia a child develops, the lower their risk for these conditions as an adult- so, slowing myopia growth early can help protect long- term eye health .

Who Can Benefit from Sellest™ Lenses?

These lenses are designed for children aged 6-12 years when myopia is first diagnosed or still changing.

They're ideal for:

• Kids whose prescriptions are getting stronger every year
• Parents looking for an option that doesn't involve contact lenses
• Families who want an easy, non-invasive way to help manage myopia

What Parents Should Know

Here are a few important tips if you're considering Stellest lenses for your child:

1. Wear them full-time. The best results come from wearing them all day, every day- at least 12 hours.

2. Get a proper fitting. Because of the special lens design, correct frame alignment is important for best results.

3. Expect a short adjustment period. Some children notice mild differences the first few days, but they ususally adapt quickly.

4.Schedule regular checkups. Myopia control works best with consistent follow-up every 6-12 months.

5. Encourage outdoor play! Spending more time outdoors (ideally two hours a day) also helps slow myopia naturally.

The Bottom Line

The Stellest™ lens gives families a new, easy-to-use option to help manage childhood myopia. It's backed by science, comfortable to wear, and recently approved by the U.S.F.D.A.

While no treatment can completely stop nearsightedness from increasing, Stellest lenses can significantly slow it down, helping protect your child's eyes for the future. 

If your child's glasses prescription keeps getting stronger each year, Stellest may be the solution. The Doctors at Koetting Eye Center can answer all of your question and advise you as to whether this is the right choice for you and your child. Call one of our offices today!

Brentwood 314-863-0000             Ellisville 636-256-7800