Stellest Spectacle Lenses
Frequently asked questions about Stellest spectacle lenses for myopia management in children
What is Stellest?
Stellest is a special spectacle lens that is designed to treat children who are progressing in their myopia (short-sightedness). Information from the manufacturer can be found here. It is the the first available spectacle lens created with Highly Aspheric Lenslet Target (HALT) technology. Central distance correction surrounded by 11 concentric rings formed by contiguous aspherical lenslets, each with a diameter of 1.1mm for children to treat myopia progression. It is also the second spectacle lens that has shown to be equally effective as orthokeratology and MiSight 1 Day contact lenses in slowing down myopia. Although it is newer in the Australian market, it may potentially work better than MiyoSmart in some cases.
It it suitable for children?
- This study was conducted on children aged 8-13 years old. However, this does not mean that it is unsuitable for children younger or older as we simply do not yet have the data.
- Spectacles are a straight forward and low-risk option for children. Stellest lenses are made in a 1.59 polycarbonate material which is similar to the tough material used in safety glasses, in combination with a very strong multicoat, Crizal Rock.
Is my child suitable?
- As long as your child’s spectacle prescription is within the range of powers that can be produced by Essilor (premium French optical lens manufacturer), then it is an option.
- Astigmatism can be corrected with Stellest spectacle lenses.
- Ideally, these lenses need to be worn at least 12 hours a day as per the studies.
An assessment is required with your optometrist who is accredited to prescribe Stellest to determine whether your child is a suitable candidate.
Who is answering the FAQs on this page?
My name is Carina, and I’m the author of this website, Sydney Orthokeratology. I have been practising Orthokeratology since 2013, and have had experience with forms of myopia management options a few years prior to this. My practice Carina Eye Care is situated in Burwood, an inner west suburb of Sydney in NSW, Australia. I have built my practice around providing proactive and comprehensive care, supported by flexible and extended appointments, to provide patients with complete confidence in their ongoing eye care. If you are interested in meeting me for a consultation for you or your child, please feel free to get in touch via email, phone, or by booking an appointment online.
Why haven’t I heard about Stellest spectacle lenses?
Stellest is not available everywhere because it requires specific training and accreditation to prescribe the lens for your child. It has only been officially released in mid-2020 and is therefore cutting edge technology that has not been around prior.
What is the process to get my child fitted with Stellest?
There are a series of steps that begin with:
Have a full comprehensive consultation
You will need to have had a full comprehensive initial consultation with us to have your prescription measured, and your eye health assessed.
What if my child’s prescription changes within 6 months?
A new set of spectacle lenses will be covered under warranty as long as it fits within the parameters.
Dr Carina Trinh (optometrist) has been prescribing spectacle lenses for myopia management since 2011. However, the evidence has been poor for many spectacle lenses that manufacturers promote as ‘myopia control’.
Up until 2020, the most effective form of spectacle use for myopia management with the bifocal, and that is only for patients who tend to over-cross their eyes when reading. This is often not the case for many young patients and therefore renders bifocals ineffective for slowing myopic progression.
In 2017, Carina developed a Myopia Management Protocol for a group of 6 optometry practices across Sydney and Melbourne, where she led the team’s myopia treatment and received referrals from highly experienced optometrists across Sydney.
While developing Myopia Management protocol, Carina was recognised as an expert in the area and Pascal (founder of Myopia Care) asked for permission to use her resources. She is listed as a “Myopia Specialist” on their directory.
Carina is also a member of Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia
and Senior Vice President of Optometry Australia NSW/ACT
Starting early with myopia management is the key to the best outcome possible for your child.
Find out your child’s risk factors for myopia progression here through an online tool at MyKidsVision.org.au.
