Scleral Lenses in St. Louis, MO
Custom Scleral Fittings Led by UMSL Faculty
- Faculty-led specialty lens care from two UMSL clinical professors
- Offering Delta, SynergEyes iD, Jupiter, and Atlantis designs
- Advanced solutions for keratoconus, dry eye, and corneal disease
- Personalized fittings backed by decades of clinical experience
Why Choose Mulqueeny Eye Centers for Scleral Lenses
Faculty-Level Expertise in Specialty Contact Lenses
Scleral lens fitting is one of the most technique-sensitive areas in eye care, and at Mulqueeny Eye Centers, it is led by doctors who teach the technique. Dr. Sean Mulqueeny and Dr. Brendan Mulqueeny serve as clinical faculty at the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Optometry, where they train the next generation of optometrists in advanced fitting techniques. When you come to our practice for a scleral lens, you are working with the same doctors shaping the future of specialty lens care.
A Practice Built for Complex Vision Cases
Many patients who arrive for scleral lenses have already been through multiple providers without finding relief. Our practice is equipped to handle the cases other offices refer out, including keratoconus, corneal irregularities, severe dry eye, and post-surgical complications from LASIK or corneal transplants. Because scleral lens care often overlaps with conditions we already specialize in, including dry eye treatment and surgical co-management, our patients benefit from a team that understands the full picture, not just the lens.
Multiple Leading Lens Designs, One Custom Fit
No two eyes are the same, and no single lens design works for every patient. We offer several of the most trusted scleral lenses available, including Delta, SynergEyes iD, Jupiter, and Atlantis. Each design brings different strengths, from advanced customization for irregular corneas to enhanced comfort for dry eye patients. Rather than fitting every patient into one system, your eye care specialist in St. Louis, MO, will evaluate your anatomy, visual needs, and lifestyle to select the lens design that delivers the best possible outcome.
The Doctors Behind Your Scleral Lens Fit
At Mulqueeny Eye Centers, scleral lens care is a collaboration between two doctors with complementary strengths: one who has spent decades shaping the field, and one who is advancing it.
Together, they bring a shared philosophy: every scleral lens patient deserves a fitting process that is thorough, individualized, and informed by the latest clinical evidence.
“I’ve been a patient at Dr. Sean Mulqueeny for over 14 years and see him at least twice annually for chemo induced dry eye. In order to receive the best care possible, we make a 500 mile round trip. Dr. Mulqueeny and his staff are simply the best. I personally recommend Mulqueeny Eye Centers to all my friends and acquaintances.”
– William, 5-Star Review
Is a Scleral Lens Right for You?
Scleral lenses are large-diameter gas permeable lenses that vault over the entire cornea and rest on the sclera (the white of the eye). A layer of fluid sits between the lens and the corneal surface, providing continuous hydration and a smooth optical surface regardless of corneal shape.
This design makes scleral lenses particularly effective for patients with:
- Keratoconus and other corneal irregularities that distort vision in standard lenses
- Severe dry eye that makes traditional contacts uncomfortable or impossible to wear
- Post-surgical complications following LASIK, PRK, or corneal transplant
- Corneal scarring or disease that limits visual clarity with glasses alone
- High or irregular astigmatism that cannot be fully corrected with soft lenses
Many patients who come to Mulqueeny Eye Centers for scleral lenses have been told their options are limited. A consultation with our team can help determine whether this approach is the right fit for your eyes, your condition, and your daily life.
Insurance, Financing, and Your Investment in Comfort
Scleral lenses are a specialized medical device, and their cost reflects the advanced materials, custom fabrication, and clinical expertise involved in the fitting process. At Mulqueeny Eye Centers in St. Louis, we believe that clear, comfortable vision should be accessible, and our team works with each patient to explore available options.
Insurance
Many vision insurance plans and medical insurance plans provide partial or full coverage for medically necessary contact lenses, including scleral lenses prescribed for conditions like keratoconus or corneal irregularity. Coverage varies by plan, and our staff will help verify your benefits before treatment begins.
Financing
For patients who need additional flexibility, we accept CareCredit® financing, which allows you to spread the cost of care over time with manageable monthly payments. We are happy to walk you through your options during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scleral Lenses
Are scleral lenses comfortable?
Most patients find scleral lenses more comfortable than standard rigid gas permeable lenses. Because the lens rests on the sclera rather than the cornea, it avoids the sensitive central surface of the eye entirely. The fluid reservoir beneath the lens also provides continuous moisture, which is especially beneficial for patients with dry eye.
How long do scleral lenses last?
With proper care, a scleral lens typically lasts one to two years before replacement is needed. Your doctor will monitor lens condition and fit at regular follow-up visits to ensure continued performance.
Can scleral lenses help with dry eye?
Yes. The fluid-filled space between the lens and the cornea acts as a constant moisture barrier, which can significantly reduce dryness symptoms. Our doctors also treat underlying dry eye conditions alongside the lens fitting, so both the symptom and the source are addressed.
