By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The FDA has recently approved a new type of eyeglass lens designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children aged 6 to 12. These specialized lenses, known as Essilor Stellest, have been shown in studies to reduce myopia progression by 70% after two years. The lenses utilize 11 concentric rings with tiny dots to refocus light on the retina, potentially slowing the eye’s elongation. Although the retail price is $450, most major U.S. vision insurance providers are expected to cover the lenses.
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New FDA-approved glasses can slow nearsightedness in kids.
It seems like there’s been a bit of buzz about new glasses that can slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children, and it’s definitely something worth exploring. From what I gather, these aren’t entirely “new” to the world, having been used in some countries for a while now. The key seems to be consistent use; it’s a long-term commitment for these glasses to do their job effectively. It’s understandable to wonder if this is all genuine, but seeing the FDA’s involvement adds a layer of credibility.
For those of us already struggling with existing prescriptions, this technology feels like it arrived a bit too late! But it’s exciting for the younger generation, who might be able to avoid the increasingly thick lenses we’ve had to contend with. The fact that major vision insurance providers are expected to cover the lenses for eligible kids is a significant step, although it’s easy to be skeptical, given the struggles with existing plans.
The underlying issue of why more kids are becoming nearsighted is something worth considering. It’s often been linked to a lack of outdoor time and the increase in close-up work like reading and using screens. Spending time outdoors, especially in brighter environments, seems to give eye muscles a good workout. This contrast is what’s often missing in the modern world, filled with screens and close-range activities. The 20-20-20 rule, where you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, is a simple, effective exercise to give the eyes a break. Things like reducing screen time and incorporating more books, along with the natural vitamin D from sunlight, could be important for healthy eye development.
It’s tempting to think these glasses are a cure, but it’s more accurate to think of them as a tool to manage the problem. They address the symptoms without tackling the root cause, which is often tied to modern lifestyle choices. But hey, any help is good help, right? Especially when it could potentially save kids from heavy lenses later on, or the need for more invasive treatments down the line.
The approval by the FDA suggests that this is a safe and regulated technology. While it’s easy to approach these things with some skepticism, remember that the FDA has a thorough process. There’s a lot of work that goes into the approval of medical devices, and that’s reassuring.
Nearsightedness, it turns out, can have a strong genetic component, too. It’s not simply a matter of our modern lifestyles. Many people developed the condition long before smartphones and tablets were around. There are other contributing factors.
The theory suggests that exposure to bright light, reduced peripheral defocus, higher vitamin D levels, a differing chromatic spectrum of light, higher physical activity, entrained circadian rhythms, less near work and greater high spatial frequency (SF) energies, all contribute to this phenomenon, as well.
The glasses worn during the developmental stages of eye growth provide an improvement over doing nothing, since that is when the eye is the most prone to change. It is also thought that the blue part of the sun’s rays helps. Ultimately, it’s not just the distance but the very act of being outdoors that seems to be the key. The ability to make your own choice and be more productive without glasses is a significant advantage. This technology is a positive step forward.