FDA Clears EssilorLuxottica's Groundbreaking Eyeglasses for Childhood Myopia Control

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a landmark clearance to EssilorLuxottica for its Essilor Stellest lenses, designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children aged 6 to 12. This groundbreaking development marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing global epidemic of myopia, which is expected to affect half the world's population by 2050.

Revolutionary Lens Technology

The Essilor Stellest lenses feature a series of concentric, raised lenslets surrounding the user's field of view. This innovative design focuses light in a way that signals the eye to slow its elongation, the process responsible for the development of myopia. Clinical trials have demonstrated impressive results, with wearers experiencing an average 71% reduction in myopia progression over two years.

Francesco Milleri and Paul du Saillant, CEO and deputy CEO of EssilorLuxottica respectively, stated, "The Essilor Stellest lens has been one of the most highly anticipated vision care products of the last decade. This lens technology evolves the traditional corrective lenses into a true medical treatment, and it marks the beginning of a new era for eyecare professionals in addressing myopia."

Expanding Treatment Options for Childhood Myopia

The FDA's clearance of Essilor Stellest lenses complements existing treatments for childhood myopia, including CooperVision's MiSight contact lenses and Johnson & Johnson Vision's Acuvue Abiliti overnight lenses. Dr. Michelle Tarver, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, emphasized the importance of this new option, stating, "Today's authorization brings to market a treatment option that may meaningfully reduce the likelihood of severe eyesight issues later in adult life, while also being easier to use and lower risk than the currently authorized devices that slow the progression of myopia in children."

Market Availability and Global Impact

EssilorLuxottica has announced that the Essilor Stellest lenses will be available in the United States within the coming weeks. This launch is poised to have a significant impact on the management of childhood myopia, offering a non-invasive and convenient treatment option for millions of children at risk of developing severe vision problems later in life.

As the global prevalence of myopia continues to rise, innovations like the Essilor Stellest lenses represent crucial advancements in ocular health. By addressing this growing epidemic early in childhood, these new treatments have the potential to dramatically reduce the incidence of severe vision complications in adulthood, including retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.