Advanced Myopia Management

Clinical Crisis and Technological Breakthrough

This is a critical juncture in pediatric eye care. Myopia (nearsightedness) is no longer just a refractive inconvenience—it is a global public health crisis. Fueled by increased digital screen time and reduced outdoor activity, rates of childhood myopia in the U.S. have tripled since 1990.

For children, this could become a barrier to potential. Progressive myopia involves axial elongation—the physical lengthening of the eye. This structural change significantly increases the risk of severe future pathologies, including:

1. Myopic Maculopathy

2. Retinal Detachment

3. Glaucoma

At Rancho Santa Fe Optometry, we do not merely correct vision; we manage the condition to safeguard your child’s long-term ocular health.

New Myopia Controlling Essilor Stellest® Lenses Are Now Available

Rancho Santa Fe Optometry is proud to offer the latest advancement in myopia control: following FDA market authorization in September 2025, Essilor Stellest® lenses are now available for prescription in the United States. This represents the first spectacle lens clinically proven to significantly slow myopia progression. Unlike standard glasses, which only correct blurred vision, Stellest lenses utilize a constellation of microlenses to create a signal volume that slows the elongation of the eye.

Availability and Demand

Due to a myopia new advancement, Stellest® lenses are in high demand.

1. Current Status: The lenses are currently available to be ordered for our patients.

2. Timeline: The typical turnaround time for these custom medical lenses is 1 to 3 weeks (for lab processing, surfacing, and quality inspection).

Since this is a new product that will have increasing demand, scheduling your appointment at the earliest allows us to place your lens order, minimizing the risk of delays as national adoption grows.

Why Early Intervention Matters

While the availability of Stellest® is a milestone for myopia control, time can be a critical factor in preserving a child’s vision. If your child’s prescription has changed recently, their eyes are actively elongating now. Consider scheduling a pediatric eye exam soon to assess if these options are a good fit. In the exam, Dr. Lisa Weiss (F.C.O.V.D.) can measure your child’s axial length and review their progression rate to guide the best approach.

1. Determine Candidacy: Every child’s eyes are unique, so we’ll evaluate whether Stellest lenses—or another therapy—aligns best with their needs.

2. Start Immediately: If Stellest lenses are the right choice, we can begin the process right away. For any immediate needs or alternative options, we have solutions ready to help keep things moving forward.

Our Evidence-Based Treatment Options

We’re committed to a personalized approach, tailoring myopia management to fit your child’s unique needs, including their body, activities, and developmental stage.

Essilor Stellest® Lenses (New)

A great option for kids who prefer glasses.

1.How it works: These lenses use H.A.L.T. technology (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) to help slow eye growth while keeping vision clear.

2. Best for: Children of any age looking for a straightforward, effective way to manage myopia.

3. Availability: Ready to order, with a typical 1-3 week processing time.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ideal for active kids who enjoy sports, swimming, or outdoor play.

1. How it works: Custom lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.

2. The Result: Daytime freedom from glasses or contacts, along with effective myopia control.

3. Availability: Ready to start now.

Low-Dose Atropine Therapy

A gentle option for younger children or those easing into treatment.

1. How it works: Simple daily drops that relax the eye’s focusing muscles to help slow progression.

2. Availability: Ready to start now.

The Rancho Santa Fe Difference: Dr. Lisa Weiss

Managing progressive myopia goes beyond basic corrections—it’s about supporting healthy visual development. As a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (F.C.O.V.D.), Dr. Lisa Weiss offers specialized knowledge. We use advanced tools like hospital-grade biometry to track axial length, the key measure for monitoring progress.

Next Steps

Would you like to learn if Stellest® lenses can work for your child? To explore the options, call (858) 756-3210 to schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam or click the button below to request an appointment online.