Myopia in St. Louis, MO
Myopia Care, Even for Growing Eyes
- Evidence-based treatment starting as young as age 4
- Four proven options, including FDA-authorized Stellest lenses
- UMSL faculty with specialty lens expertise
- Hundreds of 5-star Google reviews
Why Choose Mulqueeny Eye Centers for Myopia Management
Comprehensive Myopia Care for All Ages
Whether you are an adult managing nearsightedness or a parent seeking early intervention for your child, we provide complete myopia care for patients of all ages. For adults, we offer precise prescriptions, specialty contact lenses, and a curated optical boutique with designer frames to match your vision needs and personal style. For children as young as age 4, we provide proactive myopia management designed to slow progression during the critical years of eye development.
Evidence-Based Pediatric Treatment Options
For young patients, we offer four distinct, evidence-based approaches to myopia management: orthokeratology, low-dose atropine drops, MiSight® daily soft contact lenses, and the new Essilor® Stellest® spectacle lenses. Each option is selected based on the patient’s age, lifestyle, prescription, and rate of progression. During a consultation, an eye care specialist in St. Louis, MO, will walk you through each option and recommend the best fit for your child.
Specialty Lens Experts and Educators
Dr. Sean Mulqueeny and Dr. Brendan Mulqueeny both serve as faculty at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, where they help train the next generation of eye care providers. Dr. Brendan brings particular expertise in myopia management lenses and specialty contact lens fittings, ensuring every patient receives the most precise and comfortable fit possible. Their academic roles keep them connected to the latest research and techniques in both adult and pediatric vision care.
A Family-Run Practice Helping Families
“Very pleased by how well the Ortho-K lenses worked for my child. Staff is always helpful and very professional.”
– Carole, 5-Star Review
Myopia Care
for Every Budget
Whether you need updated glasses, specialty contacts, or a myopia management plan for your child, Mulqueeny Eye Centers accepts most major medical and vision insurance plans. Our team can help you understand what your plan covers before treatment begins.
We also accept CareCredit® financing for patients and families who prefer flexible monthly payment options. Contact our St. Louis office to discuss the best path forward.
✓ Most Major Insurance
✓ CareCredit® Accepted
✓ Family-Friendly Plans
Understanding Myopia
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which close objects appear clearly but distant objects look blurry. It develops when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia affects people of all ages and is one of the most common vision conditions worldwide.
For adults, myopia is typically managed with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Our St. Louis optical boutique carries a curated selection of designer frames and premium lenses, and our doctors can help you find the right prescription and eyewear to fit your lifestyle.
In children, myopia tends to progress during the school-age years when the eyes are still developing. Without intervention, mild myopia can advance to moderate or high levels over time, which may increase the risk of more serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. This is why many eye care professionals now recommend proactive myopia management rather than simply updating a child’s prescription each year.
Whether you are managing your own nearsightedness or concerned about your child’s changing vision, scheduling an evaluation at Mulqueeny Eye Centers is an important first step.
Myopia Management Options for Children in St. Louis
For pediatric patients, Mulqueeny Eye Centers offers four proven approaches to slowing myopia progression. Each treatment works differently, and our doctors may recommend one option or a combination depending on your child’s needs.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K uses custom-designed rigid lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. Key benefits include:
- Clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts
- Clinically shown to slow myopia progression
- Fully reversible if treatment is discontinued
- Ideal for active children and young athletes
Ortho-K is one of the most well-established myopia management options and is a great choice for children who want freedom from daytime eyewear. Our doctors custom-fit each lens to your child’s unique corneal shape for optimal results.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine drops are a simple, once-daily treatment applied at bedtime. At low concentrations, they have been shown to help slow the progression of myopia with minimal side effects. Key details include:
- Easy to administer at home
- Often used alongside other treatments for a combined approach
- Well-tolerated by most children
Low-dose atropine is often an excellent starting point for younger children or those who are not yet ready for contact lenses.
MiSight Daily Soft Contact Lenses
MiSight® lenses are daily disposable soft contacts specifically designed for myopia management in children. Highlights include:
- FDA-approved for children as young as 8
- Clinically proven to slow myopia progression
- Fresh, hygienic lens every day with no cleaning required
- Comfortable and easy for kids to handle independently
MiSight lenses offer the convenience of a daily disposable with the added benefit of built-in myopia control technology. Many children adapt to wearing them quickly and enjoy the independence contacts provide.
Essilor Stellest Spectacle Lenses
Essilor Stellest lenses are the first FDA-authorized spectacle lens designed to slow myopia progression in children ages 6 to 12. Key features include:
- 71% less myopia progression over two years compared to standard lenses
- Worn just like regular glasses, making them ideal for younger children
- Safe, noninvasive, and made from durable, impact-resistant polycarbonate
- Built-in UV protection and anti-reflective coating
Stellest lenses are an excellent option for children who prefer glasses or are not yet comfortable with contact lenses, offering effective myopia control in a familiar, easy-to-wear format.
Our doctors will work with you and your family to determine which option, or combination of options, offers the best path forward. Every treatment plan is guided by ongoing monitoring at our St. Louis office to track progress and make adjustments as your child grows.
