If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia), you’re not alone — and you’re certainly not powerless. Myopia has become one of the fastest-growing eye conditions in children today, and experts predict that by 2050, half of the world’s population will be nearsighted.
But here’s the good news: modern optometry has changed. We can now slow down how quickly myopia progresses, not just correct the blur.
At St Lucie Family Eye Care, our doctors are proud to offer FDA-approved Essilor® Stellest® lenses — a breakthrough treatment that helps protect your child’s sight for years to come.
What Is Myopia, and Why Does It Get Worse?
Myopia happens when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects look blurry, while close-up vision remains clear.
In children, myopia tends to worsen each year as their eyes continue to grow. Factors like genetics, prolonged screen time, and limited outdoor activity can accelerate that growth.
The more myopia progresses, the greater the lifelong risk for conditions like:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
That’s why it’s important to go beyond traditional glasses and consider myopia control — treatment that helps slow that eye growth.
The Science Behind Essilor® Stellest® Lenses
Stellest® lenses look like regular glasses, but inside each lens is advanced science designed for kids.
These lenses use H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology, featuring 1,021 tiny lenslets that create a gentle “volume of defocus” in front of the retina. This signals the eye to slow its growth — while still providing crisp, comfortable vision.
In a two-year U.S. clinical trial, children wearing Stellest® lenses had 71% less myopia progression on average compared to those wearing standard lenses.
That’s not just clearer vision today — it’s healthier eyes for life.
What Parents Can Expect
At your child’s myopia control consultation, our doctors will:
- Perform a comprehensive eye exam to measure vision and eye growth.
- Fit and customize the Stellest® lenses for comfort and optimal effectiveness.
- Review healthy vision habits — such as increasing outdoor time and following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Schedule follow-ups every six months to monitor progress.
Most children adapt quickly to their Stellest® lenses, often within a few days.
The Best Time to Start Myopia Control
The earlier we start, the better the results.
Children between the ages of 6 and 12 typically benefit most, as this is when eye growth — and myopia progression — happens fastest.
Even if your child only has mild nearsightedness, beginning treatment early can reduce the risk of needing stronger glasses later on.
Why Choose St. Lucie Family Eye Care?
Our practice combines advanced technology with personalized care for your child’s vision.
- We’re proud to offer FDA-authorized Stellest® lenses — the first of their kind in the U.S.
- Our doctors, Dr. Anandan and Dr. Plante, specialize in pediatric vision care and myopia management.
- We guide parents through every step, ensuring comfort, understanding, and lasting results.
When it comes to your child’s eyesight, prevention is the best investment.
Schedule a Myopia Control Consultation Today
If your child is struggling to see clearly at a distance — or if you’ve noticed their glasses prescription keeps increasing — it’s time to take action.
Schedule a consultation with St Lucie Family Eye Care today and learn how Essilor® Stellest® lenses can help protect your child’s vision for the future.