FDA-Authorized Myopia Control Glasses Now Available for Children
“Why does it feel like my child needs stronger glasses every single year?”
It’s one of the most common — and most emotional — questions parents ask at Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children and is progressing faster than ever before. While stronger prescriptions may help children see clearly today, traditional glasses do not stop the underlying progression of myopia.
And that matters more than many parents realize.
Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Early cataracts
That’s why modern myopia management focuses not only on correcting blurry vision, but also on slowing the growth of the eye itself.
FDA Authorization of Stellest® Lenses: A Major Milestone in Myopia Control
On September 25, 2025, Essilor’s Stellest® spectacle lenses received FDA De Novo market authorization, becoming the first FDA-authorized glasses in the United States specifically proven to slow myopia progression in children.
In clinical trials, Stellest lenses slowed myopia progression by approximately 71% on average over two years compared to standard single-vision lenses.
For families searching for:
- myopia control near me
- children’s myopia treatment
- pediatric nearsightedness treatment
- ways to slow worsening eyesight in kids
- myopia management in Albuquerque
this represents a major breakthrough in childhood vision care.
What Are Stellest® Lenses?
Stellest lenses may look like regular glasses, but the technology behind them is very different.
They use H.A.L.T.® (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology, which incorporates thousands of tiny lenslets across the lens surface.
These lenslets create a therapeutic signal that helps slow axial eye growth — one of the primary drivers of progressive myopia in children.
At the same time, the central portion of the lens provides clear vision for:
- School
- Sports
- Reading
- Outdoor activities
- Screen use
Think of Stellest as treatment glasses: vision correction and myopia therapy combined into one lens.
Why Slowing Myopia Progression Matters
Myopia is not simply about needing glasses to see far away.
As the eye becomes longer over time, the retina and internal structures of the eye become more vulnerable to future disease.
The goal of myopia management is to slow this elongation early in childhood to help reduce long-term risks later in life.
At Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry, we take a proactive approach to childhood myopia because protecting vision now may help support healthier eyes in adulthood.
Does Stellest Continue Working Over Time?
Yes.
Long-term studies presented at major ophthalmology and vision science conferences have shown that Stellest lenses continue slowing myopia progression over multiple years when worn consistently.
Research has demonstrated sustained reduction in:
- Prescription changes
- Axial eye growth
- Progression speed
For best results, children should wear Stellest lenses throughout their normal waking hours, just like everyday glasses.
Our Personalized Myopia Management Program
Every child’s eyes and lifestyle are different, which is why our myopia management program is customized to each patient.
Depending on your child’s needs, treatment options may include:
- Stellest® lenses
- Myopia-control contact lenses
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
- Low-dose atropine eye drops
- Lifestyle and visual habit recommendations
We evaluate factors such as:
- Prescription changes over time
- Axial eye growth
- Visual habits
- Screen time
- Outdoor activity
- Family history
to help create the best plan for long-term eye health.
What to Expect During a Myopia Evaluation
At Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry, your child’s evaluation may include:
Baseline Measurements
We evaluate prescription, eye health, and axial eye length to establish a starting point.
Lens and Treatment Recommendations
We explain how different myopia control treatments work and help determine the best option for your child.
Ongoing Monitoring
Follow-up visits help us monitor progression and track how your child’s eyes are responding over time.
Parents receive progress updates so they can clearly understand their child’s eye growth and treatment results.
A Smarter Approach to Childhood Nearsightedness
If your child’s prescription keeps increasing every year, you are not imagining it — and you are not out of options.
Modern myopia management offers proactive ways to help slow progression and protect long-term eye health.
Schedule a pediatric myopia evaluation at Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry to learn whether Stellest® lenses or other myopia control treatments may be right for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stellest®
Are Stellest lenses FDA-approved?
Stellest lenses received FDA De Novo market authorization, which allows innovative medical devices proven to be safe and effective to become available in the United States.
What ages are Stellest lenses for?
Clinical studies primarily focused on children ages 6–12, though eligibility depends on prescription, progression rate, and individual needs.
Will Stellest cure myopia?
No. Stellest lenses do not cure myopia, but they are designed to help slow progression and reduce long-term risk factors associated with high myopia.
Does my child wear them like regular glasses?
Yes. Stellest lenses are worn throughout the day just like traditional eyeglasses.
Where can I find myopia management in Albuquerque?
At Eyes of New Mexico Family Optometry, we offer personalized myopia management programs including Stellest lenses and other modern treatment options.