Until recently, eyeglasses could only temporarily correct a child’s vision, not slow the progression of myopia itself. This meant that for years, parents who wanted to slow the worsening of nearsightedness had to rely on specialized contact lenses, including Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). In 2025, that changed when the FDA approved Stellest® lenses from Essilor® for children ages 6 to 12. Now, for the first time, glasses for myopia can help slow the progression of the disease, without contact lenses.
What is myopia, and what causes it?
Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, means it’s easier to see things closer than those farther away. Myopia occurs when the eye is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens. This elongation causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface.
Causes are challenging to pin down, but studies indicate that genetics, stress, and a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors (most notably including the use of small screens close to the face) are driving rapid growth (more than double in the last 50 years) in children around the world. The disease is most commonly observed in children aged 10-13 years, when it progresses most rapidly.
How do Stellest® lenses slow the progression of myopia?
Stellest lenses, which can be added to almost any frames, use the company’s innovative HALT (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology. According to the manufacturer, the lenses incorporate hundreds of tiny, nearly invisible lenslets arranged around a clear central zone, designed to create a controlled pattern of “myopic defocus”.
This “constellation” of tiny lenses alters how light focuses on the retina, slowing the progression of the disease and providing clear vision. Stellest® lenses do all of this with the convenience of glasses for myopia treatment, a welcome feature for parents of active children or children who can’t or won’t wear contact lenses.
Why is delaying the progression of myopia important?
Delaying the progression of myopia in children can offer other potential long-term eye health benefits, including a reduced risk of cataract formation, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Treating and slowing myopia at an early age helps ensure your child has a lifetime of clear vision and healthy eyes. And with experts estimating that 30% of all children may already have myopia, the need for early myopia detection has never been more critical.
What is involved in treating myopia?
The first step is diagnosing the disease as early as possible. If you notice that your child squints excessively, has difficulty reading, or suffers from frequent headaches, you should schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
If your child is diagnosed with myopia, the doctor will create a custom treatment plan based on the stage of the myopia’s progression. The myopia specialists at the California Myopia Center have created a free Ebook that provides greater detail on myopia and available treatment options. We encourage you to download a copy and learn more about the disease, its symptoms, quality-of-life impacts, and treatment options.
Talk to Us about Glasses for Myopia for Your Child
The optometrists at the California Myopia Center are known for their expertise in treating myopia in children. And, now with the Stellest-equipped glasses for myopia, we have even more options to give your child a life of clear vision and healthy eyes. Contact us online, call our offices at 818-891-6711, or schedule an appointment that works best for you.
We look forward to seeing you and your child soon.
