The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized marketing of the Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses, the first glasses cleared in the United States to both correct nearsightedness and slow its progression in children.

The lenses, designed for children ages 6 to 12, aim to address pediatric myopia, a condition affecting about 40% of the US population. The authorization expands treatment options beyond contact lenses, which are currently the only approved devices for slowing myopia progression but are limited to children ages 8 to 12.

The FDA’s decision was based on 2 years of clinical data showing that the Stellest lenses slowed myopia progression by 71% and reduced eye elongation by 53% compared to standard single-vision lenses. Reported side effects were limited to visual disturbances such as blur and halos.

Researchers estimate that by 2050, more than half the global population may develop myopia. Left untreated, the disease can increase the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and other sight-threatening complications later in life.