Newly FDA Approved Glasses Can Help Slow Down Your Child's Myopia Progression

Parents familiar with managing their childs nearsightedness know the routine: frequent eye exams, vision checks, and updating prescriptions. A new FDA-approved option now offers a potential way to slow the worsening of myopia rather than just correct it.

Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses, the newly approved product, have demonstrated a significant reduction in myopia progression over a two-year period. These glasses are now being introduced across the U.S. market.

What Sets These Lenses Apart?

Currently, only one other product exists to slow myopia in children: MiSight contact lenses, which are approved for ages 8 to 12 and are available as daily disposables. Essilor Stellest lenses, on the other hand, can be used by children starting at age 6 and come in eyeglass form, offering an alternative for children who cannot wear contacts or whose parents prefer glasses over disposables.

The FDA explained the mechanism behind these lenses: Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses feature a 9mm clear central zone surrounded by tiny raised dots, called peripheral lenslets, across the rest of the lens. These lenslets create peripheral light defocus, which may slow myopia progression in children.

Clinical Trials Leading to Approval

The FDAs approval followed a two-year clinical study comparing Essilor Stellest lenses to standard single-vision lenses. While minor visual effects such as blurriness and halos were reported, no serious adverse effects were observed. The study confirmed that the lenses significantly reduced changes in eye shape that typically contribute to worsening myopia.

Experts note that myopia often progresses during childhood as the eyes grow, stabilizing in early adulthood. Prior to Essilor Stellest, only MiSight contact lenses were available to slow myopia progression for a limited age range.

Insurance and Cost Considerations

Insurance coverage for Essilor Stellest lenses has not yet been clearly established. However, major vision insurance plans are expected to include them in the future. Parents interested in these glasses should contact their insurer to check current coverage or prepare to cover the cost themselves, which is approximately $450 per pair.

Author: Natalie Monroe