Essilor Stellest® Lenses Now at Mill Creek Family Eye Center
Mill Creek Family Eye Center is excited to announce that we now offer the Essilor Stellest® lens, a specialty lens clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, has become increasingly common, especially in young patients. In this article, we’ll explore what Stellest lenses are, how they work, and why they may be a smart choice if your child is affected by myopia
What is Myopia and Why Does it Matter?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, happens when the eye grows too long. This causes light to focus in the wrong place inside the eye, making far-away things look blurry.
Myopia is becoming increasingly common, with rates rising worldwide, especially among children.
Children aren’t born with fully developed eyes. Their eyes grow as they age, and in some kids, this growth overshoots.
Imagine a balloon, as it gets filled with air and grows larger, the rubber walls get thinner and more stretched out. This puts the balloon at a greater risk of popping. While our eyes aren’t going to pop, this lengthening does cause a thinning of the essential retinal tissue.
When the retina is thinner, it has a much higher risk of retinal complications and diseases. So treatment of myopia, specifically in children, is not simply a matter of needing stronger glasses, but an effort in long term longevity and eye health.
Because of this, eye care isn’t only about correcting blurry vision but also about managing how the eye changes as a child grows.
Introducing Specialty Lenses for Myopia Control
Traditionally, glasses just correct refractive error, which helps kids see clearly. But new research tells us that how we correct vision can influence eye growth.
That’s where specialty lenses like Stellest come in.
These lenses are designed not just to improve vision but also to interact with how the eye perceives focus. By guiding certain visual signals, Stellest aims to slow the progression of myopia over time.
What Makes Essilor Stellest Different?
Essilor Stellest is part of a new generation of optical designs specifically formulated for pediatric myopia management.
Unlike standard single-vision lenses:
- Stellest incorporates a unique pattern of micro-focus zones.
- These zones work to reduce the stimulus for the eye to elongate.
- The central portion still provides clear vision for everyday use.
This design is backed by clinical research and was recently authorized by the FDA after showing a reduction in the rate of eye growth compared to standard lenses.
Because myopia progression occurs over years, early intervention with a lens like Stellest can make a meaningful difference in eye health outcomes.
How Stellest Lenses Help Children
Myopia doesn’t just affect how your child sees; rapid progression can lead to stronger prescriptions and increased risk of complications.
Here’s how Stellest can help:
Slows Eye Growth
Stellest lenses are engineered to reduce the signal for eye elongation. Slower eye growth means a slower increase in prescription over time.
Maintains Clear Vision
Even with advanced optics, Stellest lenses still provide sharp distance vision, essential for school, sports, and daily activities.
Comfortable for Everyday Wear
Designed as practical prescription glasses, Stellest lenses look and feel like regular eyewear. Kids can wear them all day without special handling.
Who Is a Candidate for Stellest?
While every child is unique, we typically consider Stellest when:
- A child is diagnosed with myopia.
- They are showing signs of rapid prescription increases.
- Parents want a proactive approach to slowing myopia progression.
Your optometrist will evaluate your child’s eye health, growth trends, and lifestyle to determine if Stellest is a good fit.
Early Intervention Is Key
Research shows that myopia progression tends to happen most rapidly in younger children. Starting specialty lenses early, when growth is fastest, increases the potential benefit.
That doesn’t mean Stellest is only for very young children. Older kids who continue to show progression may still benefit.
Decisions are individualized, so we’ll work with you to choose the best strategy for your child’s visual needs.
What to Expect When Getting Stellest Lenses
Transitioning to specialty lenses is straightforward, but here’s what you can expect:
Comprehensive Eye Exam and Myopia Management Consult
We start with a detailed pediatric eye exam that measures refractive error and evaluates overall eye health. This exam also helps us understand how quickly your child’s myopia is progressing.
If myopia management is recommended by one of our doctors, a separate myopia management consultation appointment is scheduled. It is highly recommended that all responsible adults be present for that appointment, if possible. At this consultation appointment, we will perform additional testing and the doctor will explain each of the different treatment options currently available.
Prescription and Lens Selection
If Stellest is the treatment of choice, we’ll create a customized prescription. We’ll also discuss frame options to ensure a comfortable fit, especially important since children often wear glasses for many hours each day.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Regular follow-up visits are key. These appointments allow us to track:
- Changes in prescription
- Eye growth patterns
- Visual comfort and performance
We adjust our approach as needed to optimize results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stellest
Is Stellest Safe for Children?
Yes. Stellest lenses are optical lenses with no medications or invasive procedures involved. They are designed with children’s comfort and vision in mind.
Can Stellest Replace Other Myopia Control Methods?
Stellest is one of several myopia management options. Some children may combine Stellest with other treatments, such as atropine drops. Your eye doctor will guide you through the most effective plan.
How Soon Will I See Results?
Myopia progression is tracked over months and years, not days. Parents may notice slower increases in prescription strength over multiple visits, usually spaced 6–12 months apart.
Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Visual Health
While Stellest lenses are a powerful tool, there are everyday habits that support overall eye health:
- Encourage regular outdoor time, as natural light is linked to slower myopia progression.
- Limit prolonged near work without breaks.
- Ensure good lighting for reading and homework.
- Maintain routine eye exams to monitor changes over time.
These habits work alongside specialty lenses to promote healthier vision.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
Myopia is a highly prevalent condition in children, but we no longer have to accept rapid progression as inevitable.
Specialty lenses like Essilor Stellest offer a proactive option for slowing eye growth while maintaining excellent vision quality.
If your child has myopia or you’ve noticed frequent prescription changes, schedule an eye exam with our team. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best path for your child’s visual future.
