
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), you may have already learned that stronger glasses each year aren’t the only option. Today, families have access to advanced myopia management treatments designed not just to correct blurry distance vision - but to slow the progression of myopia itself. Two of the most talked-about options are Stellest lenses and MiSight contact lenses. At Salt River Eye Care, we help families understand the differences so they can choose the solution that best fits their child’s lifestyle, comfort level, and long-term eye health goals.
Myopia is more than just a need for glasses. As a child’s prescription increases, so does their risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Slowing myopia progression during childhood can significantly reduce those risks. Both Stellest and MiSight are evidence-based solutions designed to help control how quickly myopia worsens - but they work in different ways.
Stellest lenses are specialty eyeglass lenses developed by Essilor. They look like regular glasses but use highly aspherical lenslet technology to create a specific optical signal that helps slow the elongation of the eye.
These lenses are worn full-time, just like traditional glasses. They are ideal for:
Younger children who may not be ready for contact lenses
Families who prefer a non-contact lens option
Children who are active but comfortable wearing glasses
Because Stellest lenses function like standard glasses, they are easy to adapt to and require minimal lifestyle adjustments.
MiSight is a daily disposable soft contact lens that is FDA-approved specifically for slowing myopia progression in children. It corrects distance vision while simultaneously providing treatment zones in the lens that help reduce the stimulus for eye elongation.
MiSight is worn during the day and discarded each night, which makes it convenient and hygienic. It is often a great fit for:
Children involved in sports or activities where glasses may be inconvenient
Kids who are motivated and responsible enough for contact lens wear
Families who want a glasses-free daytime option
Because MiSight lenses are single-use, there is no cleaning or storage routine required.
Both treatments are clinically proven to slow myopia progression. The choice often comes down to your child’s age, maturity level, lifestyle, and personal preference.
Stellest may be a better starting point for younger children or those who are hesitant about contacts. It offers simplicity and comfort without requiring hands-on lens handling.
MiSight can offer greater freedom for active children who don’t want to rely on glasses. However, successful contact lens wear depends on responsibility, hygiene, and proper handling.
Effectiveness between the two options is comparable in many cases, though individual results vary. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam and ongoing monitoring are essential.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in myopia management. The best choice depends on:
Your child’s age and prescription
How quickly their myopia is progressing
Their daily activities and sports participation
Comfort level with contact lenses
Your family’s long-term vision goals
At Salt River Eye Care, we take the time to evaluate each child’s eye health, measure progression, and discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, we may even recommend transitioning between treatments as your child grows.
Both Stellest and MiSight offer powerful tools to help protect your child’s vision for the future. Whether your family prefers the simplicity of specialty glasses or the flexibility of daily disposable contact lenses, proactive myopia management can make a meaningful difference in long-term eye health. The most important step is starting early and choosing a plan tailored specifically to your child.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Salt River Eye Care to find the myopia management treatment that fits your child’s vision needs and lifestyle. Visit our office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or call (480) 278-7732 to book an appointment today.