These New Glasses Don’t Just Correct Kids’ Vision—They May Stop It From Getting Worse

Key Takeaways

• A new type of glasses called Essilor Stellest may help slow down nearsightedness in kids, not just correct it.

• Treating myopia early can lower the risk of serious eye problems later in life.

• These glasses are a good option for kids ages 6 to 12 and could be helpful for families who prefer not to use contact lenses.

Many of us (*raises hand*) are familiar with kid glasses and have had to get them for our little ones. But there's a new kind of glasses on the market that does more than simply make it easier for young kids to see clearly.

In late September, the FDA announced the approval of a new type of corrective lens for children. These glasses— Essilor Stellest glasses —aren't like regular glasses. They don't just correct your child's myopia (nearsightedness). They potentially stop their vision issues from getting any worse.

We connected with two pediatric ophthalmologists to help us understand what the glasses are for and whether your child might be a good candidate for them.

What is Myopia and Why Is It Increasing?

Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness, which is when objects get blurry the farther away they are from you. This is the opposite of farsightedness (hyperopia), which is when objects close to you are blurry.

Over 40% of Americans are nearsighted—and this number has actually increased from 25% of Americans in the 1970s. It's estimated that nearly 50% of people will be nearsighted by 2050. This is one of the reasons that pediatric ophthalmologists are concerned and are looking for ways to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in kids, which can quickly progress in childhood.

While experts aren't totally sure what is causing these increases, screen time and lack of outdoor time are likely to blame.

"Prolonged near vision activities, such as using smartphones and tablets, and less time spent outdoors are thought to be two major factors in the increasing frequency of myopia," says Sylvia Yoo, MD , a pediatric ophthalmologist and director of pediatrics and strabismus service for the department of ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center.

"Even if there is a family history of needing glasses, that does not explain why so many more children are developing nearsightedness and higher amounts of nearsightedness," Dr. Yoo adds.

Why slowing the progression of myopia is important

You might think: Why can't I just get my kid a pair of prescription glasses? Why consider glasses that stop myopia progression?

The issue is that, for some kids, their myopia can progress quickly, and the faster it progresses, the more likely they are to develop more serious vision problems later in life.

"When someone has a high amount of nearsightedness, there is an increased risk of developing other eye conditions later in life including retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma," Dr. Yoo shares. "Slowing down increases in nearsightedness is important to reduce these risks, and since the changes in nearsightedness mostly happen in childhood, that is the time to talk about treatments."

How Do These New Glasses Work?

Okay, so how exactly do these glasses work, and are they effective?

Essilor Stellest glasses are just like regular glasses, but the lenses are different.

"The lenses have a clear central zone surrounded by concentric rings of tiny, raised dots," says Daniel Cyr, DO, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Stony Brook Children's . "The central area works just like your normal glasses, improving visual acuity, while the concentric rings of raised dots defocus the peripheral light."

So, how do they stop the progression of myopia in kids?

"It is thought that the defocus, blurring of the image, to the peripheral retina slows myopia progression," says Dr Cyr. "The exact mechanism at this time is unclear."

The FDA approval of Essilor Stellest glasses was based on studies that took place in Asia, explains Dr. Yoo, who notes that additional research is being done to see whether these glasses work equally well for children in the U.S.

How do they compare to other treatments?

There is actually another treatment used by optometrists to slow down the progression of myopia in kids. MiSight lenses are contact lenses for kids that slow the progression of myopia. MiSight lenses are approved for children 8 to 12 years old, while the Essilor Stellest glasses are approved for a broader age range, children ages 6-12, Dr. Cyr notes.

But besides being approved for younger kids, Essilor Stellest glasses have another advantage: They aren't contact lenses.

"Many do not like using contact lenses in younger patients," says Dr. Cyr. "The new lenses will provide an excellent alternative."

How To Know If They Are Right For Your Child

Essilor Stellest glasses are approved for kids aged 6 to 12 who have myopia.

"The lenses are prescribed as a typical pair of eyeglasses would be," Dr. Cyr explains. "In the area I work, currently not all optical stores have the lenses available, but more and more are making them available for purchase."

Their estimated cost is about $450. Since they are newly approved, it's not clear if insurance currently covers them, but they may in the future, says Dr. Yoo.

"Coverage by insurance companies is yet to be determined and will probably vary," she says.

How to know if these glasses might be a good choice for your child?

"A discussion with your child's ophthalmologist or optometrist is a good place to start when deciding whether these lenses may be a treatment to consider if your child has developed nearsightedness or if the nearsightedness is increasing," Dr. Yoo recommends.

Read the original article on Parents