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!
We've all felt the toll stress can take on our bodies - tension headaches, sore muscles, trouble sleeping - but did you know stress can also affect your eyes and vision? While it's normal for our eyesight to change slowly over time, intense or prolonged stress can sometimes cause noticeable, temporary problems with how we see. Here's what to watch for and how to protect your eye health during stressful times.
How Stress Affects the Eyes
When you're under stress, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals prepare you for "fight or flight," but they can also affect the delicate structures in your eyes. Some of the most common stress - related eye symptoms can include.:
Eye strain and fatigue - Prolonged tension can cause you to squint, blink less often, and clench the muscles around your eyes.
Dry eyes - Stress can reduce tear production, making eyes feel scratchy, irritated, or watery.
Blurred vision - Stress - related changes in focus and muscle tension can cause temporary blurriness.
Eye twitching (myokymia) - Small spasms in the eyelid muscles often appear during stressful periods.
Light sensitivity - Some people notice bright lights become uncomfortable during high - stress days.
Stress and Chronic Eye Conditions
For people already managing conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, stress can sometimes worsen symptoms. While stress doesn't directly cause most eye diseases, it can make existing problems harder to manage by disrupting sleep, raising blood pressure, or affecting how well we stick to treatment routines.
Reducing Stress for Better Vision
While no one can avoid stress entirely, small daily habits can protect both your overall well - being and your vision:
Blink often - Especially when using screens, to keep eyes moist.
Take vision breaks - Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Stay hydrated - Adequate water helps maintain healthy tear production.
Move your body - Even short walks lower stress hormones.
Practice relaxation - Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can reduce tension.
Schedule regular eye exams - Catching changes early ensures small problems don't become big ones.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you notice sudden changes in your vision, persistent eye pain, or flashes of light, don't assume it's just stress - see your optometrist promptly. Our doctors can usually see you for emergency type symptoms the same day on a weekday, and we always have doctors on call for evenings and weekends. Quick evaluations can rule out more serious conditions and provide peace of mind.
Bottom Line
Your eyes are connected to the rest of your body - and that means they can feel the effects of stress just like your muscles or heart. By caring for your overall health and making time for regular eye checkups, you can help protect your vision, even during life's most stresssful moments.
As July rolls on, it's hard to believe summer break is halfway over! While you're busy checking off school supplies, updating wardrobes, and preparing for another academic year, there's one very important item that often gets overlooked- your child's annual eye exam.
Why Vision Matters in the Classroom:
Up to 80% of learning in a classroom is visual. From reading the board to completing worksheets and focusing on screens, children rely on their eyesight all day long. Yet, many vision problems can go unnoticed- especially if your child doesn't know what "normal" vision feels like.
Common vision issues like:
Nearsightedness (difficulty seeing far away)
Farsightedness
Astigmatism
Eye teaming or tracking problems can cause headaches, eye strain, poor focus, and even behavioral issues that are often mistakenly labeled as attention problems or learning delays.
Why a School Vision Screening Isn't Enough
School screenings are helpful, but they're not comprehensive. These quick tests often miss subtle issues with depth perception, eye coordination and focusing skills- all of which are crucial for reading and learning. Only a comprehensive eyeexam by an optometrist can detect these hidden problems.
Book Now- Avoid the August Rush!
Late July and early August are the perfect times to schedule your child's exam. You'll beat the back-to-school appointment scramble and get ahead of any vision concerns before the first bell rings.
Plus- if your child needs glasses, you'll have time to pick a pair they love and get them fitted before school starts!
Let us Help You Check Off That LastBox
Our team is here to make back-to-school vision care simple and stress-free. Whether it's your child's first eye exam or a routine checkup, we'll ensure their eyes are ready to learn, play, and thrive this school year.
Call Koetting Eye Center Today to Schedule an Appointment!
Brentwood: (314) 863-0000 or Ellisville (636) 256-7800
Summer is a time for sunshine, outdoor fun, and water activities- but it's also a season when your eyes face unique risks. From harsh UV rays to the dangers lurking in swimming pools and lakes, your eyes deserve just as much protection as your skin. Here's how to keep your vision clear and comfortable all summer long.
1. Shield Your Eyes from UV Rays
Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of:
Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Pinguecula and pterygium (abnormal tissue growth on the eye)
Photokeratitis (a painful "sunburn" of the eye)
What to look for in Sunglasses:
100% UVA and UVB protection (often labled UV400)
Wraparound frames to block light from the sides
Polarized lenses to reduce glare (especially helpful when near water or driving)
A wide - brimmed hat also adds extra shade and cuts down on UV exposure
2. Water Safety: The Hidden Risk for Contact Lens Wearers
Swimming is one of summer's greatest joys, but it poses a serious risk for contact lens wearers. Water- whether in pools, lakes, hot tubs, or even the shower can harbor harmful microorganisms. One of the most dangerous is Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism found in tap water and natural water sources.
What is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but serious infection of the cornea that can cause permanent vision loss. Contact lens wearers are at much greater risk, especially when lenses are exposed to water.
Avoid These Common Mistakes:
Never swim or shower while wearing contact lenses. Water can trap bacteria or amoebae under the lens, increasing the risk of infection.
Do not rinse lenses with tap water or store them in dirty cases.
Safer Options:
Swim goggles over your lenses (not ideal, but better than unprotected swimming)
Daily disposable lenses - discard them immediately after swimming.
Prescription swim goggles, which allow you to swim clearly and safely without contacts.
If you suspect eye redness, pain, or blurry vision after swimming, seek immediate medical attention- early treatment is critical for Acanthamoeba infections.
3. Protect Against Dryness and Irritants
Summer heat, air conditioning, and wind can all contribute to dry eye syndrome, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or traveling.
Tips for Relief
Use preservative- free artificial tears
Wear wraparound sunglasses to block wind
stay hydrated and take breaks from dry air.
4. Eye Safety Around Fireworks
Fireworks can be dangerous, especially for children. The most common injuries from fireworks involve the eyes.
Be Safe
Never let children handle fireworks- even sparklers.
Keep a safe distance and wear protective eyewear if you're lighting them.
Be cautious with DIY displays- accidents can happen in a flash.
Eat for Eye Health
Summer offers a bounty of seasonal produce rich in Lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C, all great for your eyes. Load up on:
Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
Berries
Bell peppers
Corn
Watermelon (hydration + viatmin A!)
Final Thoughts
Summertime brings brighter days- but also more reasons to protect your vision. Sunglasses, smart swimming habits, and a little awareness go a long way toward keeping your eyes safe, comfortable, and healthy. Talk to one of our doctors about the best precautions for your lifestyle.
