FDA-Approved Essilor Stellest Lenses Designed to Mitigate Myopia Progression
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By
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Matthew Perrone
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December 1, 2025
Clinical Scorecard: FDA-Approved Essilor Stellest Lenses Designed to Mitigate Myopia Progression
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Myopia (nearsightedness) in children |
| Key Mechanisms | Lenses use 11 concentric rings with tiny raised dots to refocus light onto the retina, slowing eye elongation |
| Target Population | Children aged 6 to 12 years with myopia |
| Care Setting | Ophthalmology and optometry clinics |
Key Highlights
- Essilor Stellest lenses approved by FDA reduce myopia progression by 70% over two years in children aged 6-12
- Lenses slow eye elongation by approximately 50%, potentially reducing long-term risks like retinal detachment and blindness
- Glasses offer a non-contact lens alternative preferred by many parents and physicians for young children
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify myopia in children through standard eye examinations
- Consider age range 6-12 years for Essilor Stellest lens prescription
Management
- Prescribe Essilor Stellest lenses to slow myopia progression in eligible children
- Consider alternative FDA-approved options like MiSight contact lenses for children aged 8-12
- Medicated eye drops are used off-label but not FDA-approved for myopia control
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor visual acuity and eye elongation regularly during treatment
- Watch for visual disturbances such as halos around objects
- Ongoing research and local data collection recommended to confirm efficacy in U.S. populations
Risks
- No serious side effects reported in FDA studies
- Some children may experience visual disturbances like halos
- Long-term safety and effectiveness data in U.S. populations pending further studies
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with myopia
Lenses reduce myopia progression by 70% and eye elongation by 50% over two years; retail price approximately $450; expected insurance coverage for eligible children
Clinical Best Practices
- Confirm myopia diagnosis and assess eligibility based on age
- Discuss treatment options including Essilor Stellest lenses and MiSight contact lenses with families
- Inform patients and caregivers about potential visual disturbances and monitor accordingly
- Encourage participation in ongoing studies to gather U.S.-based efficacy and safety data
- Consider patient and family preferences when choosing between glasses and contact lenses
References
- FDA Approval of Essilor Stellest Lenses
- Johns Hopkins Medicine - Myopia Information
- Essilor Stellest Product Information
Based on findings from:
Essilor Stellest glasses: FDA-approved lens aim to slow myopia progression
Matthew Perrone. Associated Press Health, 2025.
https://apnews.com/article/essilor-stellest-glasses-myopia-nearsightedness-c1c04fd52a022860a5654b21e4f68179
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