EssilorLuxottica announced the groundbreaking FDA market authorization of its Essilor Stellest lens to treat myopia without astigmatism and to slow the progression of the disease in children 6 to 12 years old at the initiation of treatment. This long-awaited solution, which has been available in numerous other countries, is now projected to land in U.S. vision care practices sometime in the fourth quarter of 2025.
According to the company, the Essilor Stellest lens is the first-ever FDA market authorized spectacle lens clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children. Previously, contact lenses were the only FDA-approved option to slow myopia progression in children.
“The Stellest spectacle lens is designed with a clear central zone surrounded by concentric rings of tiny, raised dots and uses peripheral light defocus to help slow myopia progression.“
“The Essilor Stellest lens has been one of the most highly anticipated vision care products of the last decade,” says Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO, EssilorLuxottica.
About the Lens Design
The Stellest spectacle lens is designed with a clear central zone surrounded by concentric rings of tiny, raised dots and uses peripheral light defocus to help slow myopia progression. In a two-year clinical study, the lens reduced myopia progression by 71% and eye elongation by 53% compared with standard single-vision lenses with no reported serious adverse events.
Myopia’s Prevalence and Impact
According to the National Eye Institute, myopia affects roughly 40% of the U.S. population and prevalence is rising rapidly among children and adolescents. By 2050, more than half of the world’s population is expected to be myopic. When left untreated, the disease can progress to high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts later in life.
The announcement created an unprecedented spectacle-lens media buzz, with key coverage ranging from major outlets like CNN and MSN to local community media such as Alabama’s Wiregrass Daily News and Georgia’s 93.1 WNEG radio station.
“As a practicing ophthalmologist, I see firsthand the lifelong impact that vision problems can have on an individual,” said Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Michelle Tarver, MD, PhD. “Today’s authorization brings to market a treatment option that may meaningfully reduce the likelihood of severe eyesight issues later in adult life, while also being easier to use and lower risk than the currently authorized devices that slow the progression of myopia in children.”