For the first time, glasses can do more than just help kids see clearly – they can actively help slow the progression of nearsightedness. Essilor® Stellest® lenses are a true game-changer for children’s vision. Clinically proven to slow nearsightedness progression by 71% on average over two years, these glasses use cutting-edge technology unlike anything seen in children’s lenses before. Recently FDA-authorized for children ages 6–12, these lenses feature tiny, precision-engineered lenslets that subtly guide the growth of young eyes. To the child wearing them, they look and feel like normal glasses, but the impact on their vision and long-term eye health can be life-changing.
Why Myopia Management Matters
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In the U.S., recent studies show a significant rise, with estimates suggesting around 36% of youth are affected. Overall prevalence has climbed from about 25% in the 1970s to over 40% by the early 2000s, driven in part by increased near work and reduced time outdoors. Globally, experts predict that nearly 50% of the population could be myopic by 2050.
High myopia in childhood increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma,macular degeneration, and early cataracts. With rates rising and children’s eyes still developing, early intervention has never been more important.
How Essilor Stellest Lenses Work
What makes Stellest lenses revolutionary is their Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (H.A.L.T.) technology. Tiny lenslets arranged in rings around a clear center gently change how light focuses in the eye, helping guide eye growth and slow the progression of myopia. For children, the glasses feel like any other pair. They see clearly and comfortably while their eyes benefit from the innovative design.
Dr. Dunn, partner and optometrist at VisionPoint, explains the excitement around these lenses: “While these glasses may look like your everyday glasses, they are far from it. The technology laser-cut into the lenses is unlike any other. To the person wearing them, there is no visual difference. If you hold the lenses up to the light, you can see the lenslets, perfectly placed for the child wearing them. Any child experiencing faster-than-normal nearsighted changes is an ideal candidate. It’s important to note that this doesn’t reverse stretching that has already occurred, and it doesn’t stop progression 100%, which is another reason why early intervention is so important.”
A Non-Invasive, Life-Changing Option
Unlike some myopia control strategies that involve contact lenses or eye drops, Stellest lenses are non-invasive and easy for kids to wear. This convenience, combined with measurable clinical benefits, makes them an exciting new option for parents concerned about the long-term health of their child’s eyes.
What Parents Should Know
- FDA-Approved Age Range: Children 6–12
- Effectiveness: Clinically proven to slow myopia progression
- Comfort: Looks and feels like regular glasses
- Follow-Up: Regular monitoring ensures continued effectiveness
VisionPoint’s Myopia Management Program
At VisionPoint, Stellest lenses are part of a comprehensive Myopia Management Program designed to give each child personalized care based on their age, lifestyle, and visual needs. From the start, the program creates a roadmap for protecting your child’s vision as their eyes grow.
Follow-up visits are a key part of the program. During these appointments, your eye doctor measures visual acuity, refraction, and axial length to track how the lenses are working and ensure your child’s myopia is progressing as slowly as possible.
Equally important is clear communication with parents. Your eye doctor will review results, answer questions, and provide guidance to make sure children wear their lenses consistently – because consistent use is critical to achieving the best outcomes. With this structured, hands-on approach, parents can feel confident that their child is receiving the most effective, personalized myopia care available.
For parents noticing rapid vision changes – or simply hoping to protect their child’s eyes from worsening myopia – Essilor Stellest lenses, paired with VisionPoint’s Myopia Management Program, provide a proactive, science-backed solution. Early intervention, combined with personalized care, can help children maintain clearer vision and reduce the risk of serious eye conditions in the future.
Take the Next Step
If your child is nearsighted, ask your eye doctor whether Essilor Stellest lenses and VisionPoint’s Myopia Management Program are right for them. With this innovative, life-changing technology, parents now have a powerful way to help protect their children’s eyes and set them up for a lifetime of healthier vision.
Your vision is an important part of your overall health. If you would like more information or to schedule a comprehensive eye health exam, contact VisionPoint Eye Center at (309) 662-7700 or visit their website at www.visionpointeye.com. They are located at 1107 Airport Rd in Bloomington. Their ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians will be happy to see you.
