AAOpt 2025: EssilorLuxottica representatives detail Stellest lens availability, technology

A month after a significant medical breakthrough in myopia control, representatives from EssilorLuxottica at the American Academy of Optometry Academy 2025 meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, discussed the company's recent developments. Monica Jong, PhD, BOptom, head of medical affairs for North America for EssilorLuxxotica, stated that the FDA market-authorized Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses are the first spectacle lens approved for myopia control in pediatric-aged children in the US. This innovation addresses a critical gap in pediatric eye care, where previously, myopia management options were limited to orthokeratology, contact lenses, and pharmaceutical interventions. The Stellest lens represents a transformative solution that makes myopia control more accessible and lifestyle-friendly for millions of children.

The lens design is sophisticated, featuring a central 9-mm clear zone for myopia correction, surrounded by 11 rings containing 1021 contiguous, highly aspherical lenslets. These miniature lenses create additional myopic volume defocus, which is key to slowing myopia progression. The FDA data demonstrates an average 71% slowdown in myopia progression over 2 years, translating to a 0.64-diopter reduction. Additionally, axial length slowing averaged 53% across the 2-year period, representing statistically and clinically significant outcomes.

Ryan Parker, OD, senior director of professional affairs at EssilorLuxottica, further emphasizes the product's potential. He describes the Stellest lenses as a "game changer" that removes barriers to effective pediatric myopia management. The implementation timeline is precise: FDA market authorization was granted on September 25, with lens orders possible starting October 13 and lab production beginning October 20. The 14-day turnaround time for lens production underscores the company's commitment to swift, efficient delivery.

Jong and Parker expressed enthusiasm about providing optometrists with a simple, effective tool to address childhood myopia, potentially transforming eye care for pediatric patients. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in optometric treatment, offering a noninvasive, patient-friendly approach to managing a growing global vision health challenge.