Stellest Glasses for Myopia Control in a 13-Year-Old Male
Yes, Stellest spectacle lenses (defocus incorporated multiple segments or DIMS technology) can help slow myopia progression in a 13-year-old, though the evidence provided focuses primarily on other myopia control interventions that have stronger guideline support.
Clarification on Stellest vs. Orthokeratology
Stellest glasses are spectacle lenses with defocus technology, not orthokeratology. The expanded question incorrectly conflates these two distinct interventions. Orthokeratology refers to overnight rigid contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea 1.
Evidence-Based Myopia Control Options
First-Line Interventions Supported by Guidelines
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends several interventions for slowing myopia progression in school-age children 1:
Multifocal contact lenses (particularly MiSight FDA-approved daily disposables) have demonstrated efficacy in slowing progression without complications during 6 years of monitoring in children 8-12 years old 2
Low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) shows the largest positive effects for slowing myopia progression, though it requires compounding pharmacies in the United States 1
Orthokeratology has been shown to slow myopic progression in children and adolescents, reducing axial elongation by 32-63% compared to single-vision spectacles over 2 years 1, 3
Multifocal spectacles are effective in slowing progression, though to a lesser degree than antimuscarinic medications 1
Optimal Combination Approach
For maximum benefit, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends combining low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) with multifocal daily disposable contact lenses (MiSight) for children who can safely handle contact lenses 2. This combination approach provides synergistic myopia control effects.
Environmental Modifications
- Increasing outdoor time to at least 1-2 hours daily can help reduce myopia progression 2
- This intervention has been shown to reduce the likelihood of myopia onset 1
Specific Considerations for a 13-Year-Old
At age 13, this patient falls within the age range where myopia control interventions remain effective:
- Orthokeratology studies have included children through adolescence, with efficacy demonstrated in school-aged children 4, 3, 5
- The treatment benefit with atropine appears stable through 15 years of age 6
- A study specifically examining young myopic adolescents ages 11-15 years showed myopia reduction between -1.25 and -5.00 D with orthokeratology 7
Safety Profile
Contact Lens Options
- Daily disposable contact lenses are the safest option with the lowest rate of complications for soft contact lens wear 2
- Orthokeratology carries a risk of microbial keratitis similar to other overnight contact lens wear modalities, with particular concern for Acanthamoeba keratitis when tap water is used in care regimens 1, 2
- Proper lens hygiene and compliance are essential for orthokeratology safety 2, 5
Atropine Safety
- Low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) has fewer side effects than the 1% concentration used for amblyopia 1
- Higher concentrations can cause photosensitivity and require careful monitoring 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Undercorrection of myopia does not slow progression and should not be used as a control strategy 1
- Timolol or other IOP-lowering drops have not shown efficacy in reducing myopia progression 2
- Visual training exercises, acupuncture, and nutritional approaches lack scientific evidence of effectiveness 2
- Maintenance of orthokeratology requires nightly lens wear in young adolescents to maintain myopia reduction 7
Duration and Monitoring
- Most myopia reduction with orthokeratology occurs during the first 2 weeks, with 75% of possible reduction in this timeframe 7
- Long-term studies up to 10 years have confirmed efficacy and acceptable safety 3
- The optimal duration of treatment and potential rebound phenomenon after discontinuation remain areas requiring further research 3
Regarding Stellest Specifically
While the provided evidence does not specifically address Stellest lenses by name, they fall under the category of multifocal spectacles that incorporate defocus technology. The American Academy of Ophthalmology acknowledges multifocal spectacles as effective for myopia control, though less effective than antimuscarinic medications 1. For a 13-year-old who cannot or will not use contact lenses or atropine, Stellest glasses represent a reasonable non-invasive option for myopia control 1.