A new type of eyeglass lens is helping children see clearly while dramatically slowing the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness, by 71% over two years. Called the Stellest lens, this innovation offers families a simpler way to manage a condition that's becoming increasingly common among kids worldwide.

Myopia is growing at an alarming rate. Today, about 50% of all children have myopia, and experts predict that roughly half of the world's population could be nearsighted by 2050. While nearsightedness itself is manageable, the condition carries serious lifetime risks to eyesight, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

"The Stellest lens is the simplest, most effective option we have. It's a way to control myopia without adding an extra step to a family's day. It's much easier for compliance than remembering a drop or managing contact lens hygiene," said Shandi Beckwith, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.

Shandi Beckwith, OD, Optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah

What Makes the Stellest Lens Different?

Until recently, doctors had only two options for slowing myopia progression in children: special eyedrops or contact lenses. For many busy families, neither option was practical. The Stellest lens changes that equation by embedding more than 1,000 tiny individual lenses, called lenslets, into standard eyeglass lenses.

Here's how it works: normally, the eye focuses light onto the retina to form an image. With myopia, the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead. To compensate, the eye stretches and becomes elongated, which is why nearsighted vision worsens over time. The Stellest lens brings the focal point forward slightly, so vision is clear and the eye doesn't constantly strain to adjust focus. The lenslets are not visually obvious to others, and kids can choose any frame style they like.

How Does It Compare to Other Treatments?

Research shows that Stellest slows myopia progression by 71% over two years, significantly outperforming both eyedrops and contact lenses, which have shown a 55% to 59% reduction over three years, respectively. Even slowing progression by a modest amount delivers major rewards: reducing the risk of lifetime complications by 40%.

The lens was available in other parts of the world for many years but was only recently approved in the United States. According to Beckwith, it is now "considered to be the standard of care by the World Council of Optometry". While officially studied in children ages 6 to 12, Stellest has been prescribed for older children as well, and patient feedback has been positive, with kids reporting improved vision and no side effects.

Why Is Myopia Increasing in Children?

The dramatic rise in childhood myopia isn't purely genetic. While myopia can run in families, the current increase in cases is likely driven by long periods of reading or screen time and insufficient time outdoors, according to research. As digital device use continues to climb among school-age children, managing myopia has become increasingly important for protecting long-term vision health.

How to Protect Your Child's Vision

• Screen Distance: Keep books or screens at least 12 inches from the face to reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression.
• Outdoor Time: Spend at least one hour a day outside, as natural light exposure has been shown to help protect against myopia development and progression.
• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break from close-up work.

The Stellest lens comes with a six-month warranty, so if a child's prescription changes during that period, families can get an updated pair for free. Some vision insurance plans may cover some or all of the costs, though many have not yet added the new treatment to their coverage.

If you're concerned your child may have myopia or want to explore whether the Stellest lens could help slow progression, an eye care professional can evaluate your child's vision and discuss whether this treatment is a good fit for your family.