Essilor Stellest Lenses for Myopia Management in Children
How Essilor® Stellest® Lenses Help Slow Myopia Progression in Children
A Breakthrough Option for Children With Nearsightedness
Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common among school-aged children, particularly as screen time and close-up visual tasks continue to increase. Many families are now looking for options that do more than simply correct blurry distance vision — they want solutions that may help slow myopia progression over time. Parents are specifically searching for structured myopia management for children that focuses on slowing prescription changes during growth years.
Essilor® Stellest® lenses represent a significant advancement in this area. They are the first FDA market-authorized spectacle lens shown to slow myopia progression in children, while still providing clear, comfortable vision for everyday activities.
At Fox Run Eye Care, Dr. Amy Catalano Boyer and Dr. Susan Gallant-Behan incorporate Essilor® Stellest® lenses into a structured myopia management program designed to support long-term visual development for families throughout the region.
What Makes Essilor® Stellest® Lenses Different?
While traditional single-vision lenses correct blurry distance vision, Stellest® lenses go a step further. Backed by multi-year research and reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they offer two key benefits:
Clear, Sharp Vision Through a Central Single-Vision Zone
Children see clearly for everyday tasks such as schoolwork, sports, reading, and outdoor activities.
Proven Ability to Help Slow Myopia Progression
In a U.S. clinical trial, researchers found that Essilor® Stellest® lenses slowed the progression of myopia by 71% on average over two years compared to single-vision lenses.
According to the National Eye Institute, myopia is increasing among children worldwide, which makes early monitoring and structured management especially important.
This dual benefit supports a child’s visual clarity today while helping manage prescription progression during important growth years.
How Stellest® Lenses Work
Stellest® lenses use a proprietary design called H.A.L.T.™ technology (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target).
This design:
• Corrects myopia through a clear central vision zone
• Uses precisely arranged lenslets to help slow progression
• Is designed for full-time daily wear
• Provides comfortable adaptation for most children
The central portion functions similarly to a traditional lens for distance vision, allowing children to adjust quickly.
Explaining Essilor® Stellest® Lenses in Simple Terms
In simple terms, Essilor® Stellest® lenses are special eyeglass lenses designed not only to help your child see clearly today, but also to help slow how quickly their prescription changes over time. They look and feel like regular glasses, but use a specialized optical design to help manage myopia during your child’s growing years.
Why Fox Run Eye Care Selected Stellest® for Myopia Management
Dr. Amy Catalano Boyer and the Fox Run Eye Care team selected Stellest® lenses based on:
• Strong clinical evidence
• FDA market authorization
• Ease of use for children and families
• Clear vision combined with long-term management goals
• Suitability for everyday activities
We have observed:
• Immediate lens adaptation
• Excellent comfort
• Stable frame positioning
• Positive early follow-up outcomes
One of our first Stellest® patients adapted immediately and returned for follow-up with consistent wear and proper fit — encouraging indicators for long-term success.
The Stellest® Monitoring Program at Fox Run Eye Care
Successful use of Stellest® lenses requires consistent wear and routine follow-up visits. Our structured program ensures accurate tracking and family support.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
All children complete a full eye examination to confirm prescription, evaluate ocular health, and determine candidacy.
Precision Fitting Appointment
A licensed optician ensures:
• Proper centration
• Frame stability
• Comfortable fit
• Clear distance vision through the central zone
Required Follow-Up Visits
2-Week Follow-Up
• Optical verification
• Frame adjustment if needed
6-Month Follow-Up
• Myopia progression evaluation
• Prescription review
• Clinical documentation and next-step planning
These visits help ensure clarity, comfort, consistent wear, and measurable monitoring over time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Essilor® Stellest® Lenses?
Essilor® Stellest® lenses may be appropriate for:
• Children newly diagnosed with myopia
• Children whose prescription increases annually
• Families seeking an FDA-authorized myopia treatment option designed specifically for children.
• Children who prefer wearing glasses over contact lenses
• Active children who need durable everyday eyewear
Because Essilor® Stellest® lenses function like traditional glasses, they are easy for most children to adapt to and maintain during daily activities.
Why Early Myopia Management Matters
While Stellest® lenses provide clear vision immediately, their long-term value lies in helping manage prescription progression during childhood growth years.
Early monitoring and structured care can support healthier long-term visual development and provide families with a proactive plan for their child’s changing vision.
A Family-Centered Approach in Greenland NH
Fox Run Eye Care provides a structured, supportive experience for families in Greenland and Portsmouth NH.
Parents appreciate:
• Clear explanations
• Consistent monitoring
• Gentle communication
• Experienced licensed opticians
• A calm, child-friendly environment
Our goal is to provide accurate information and comfortable, evidence-supported vision solutions for children across the Seacoast region.
Schedule a Myopia Management Consultation
If you would like to learn more about whether Essilor® Stellest® lenses are the right choice for your child, schedule a visit to discuss our comprehensive myopia management for children program at Fox Run Eye Care. Our team will evaluate your child’s prescription history, lifestyle needs, and long-term vision goals to determine whether Essilor® Stellest® lenses are an appropriate option.
Expert Insight
This article was reviewed by Dr. Amy Catalano Boyer, the owner and lead optometrist at Fox Run Eye Care.
Dr. Boyer has more than 25 years of experience providing comprehensive eye care for families across New Hampshire’s Seacoast and is committed to helping parents understand modern, evidence-supported myopia management options.
Important Safety & Regulatory Information
- Essilor® Stellest® lenses are intended for the correction of ametropia (myopia and astigmatism) and for the management of myopia in children.
- The lenses must be prescribed by a qualified eye care professional after a comprehensive eye examination.
- Stellest® lenses are a medical device and should only be used as directed.
- Consistent daily wear (minimum of 12 hours per day) is recommended to achieve the full treatment effect.
- The Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (H.A.L.T.) technology is designed to create a volume of non-focused light in front of the retina to signal the eye to slow down elongation.
- The FDA has granted De Novo authorization for the Stellest® lens specifically for myopia management in children aged 8-12 at the start of treatment.
- As with any new prescription, children may experience a brief adaptation period of a few days.
- Safety and effectiveness have not been studied in children with certain ocular pathologies or systemic conditions that may affect vision.
- Lenses should be replaced if they become scratched or damaged, as this can affect vision quality and the treatment effect.
- Stellest® lenses are typically made from polycarbonate or Airwear® material for high impact resistance, which is essential for pediatric use.
- Regular follow-up visits every 6 months are necessary to monitor myopia progression and ensure the prescription remains accurate.
- Parents must supervise children in the handling and cleaning of the lenses to prevent ocular infections or damage to the lens surface.
- If the child experiences persistent discomfort, eye redness, or blurred vision, the use of the lenses should be discontinued and an eye care professional consulted immediately.
- This product does not prevent other eye health issues associated with high myopia, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma, which require separate monitoring.
