See Clearly. Live Freely.
The Official LASIK and Eye Doctors of the Oregon Ducks
Welcome to Pacific ClearVision Institute!
When you’re searching for exceptional eye care in Oregon, you want a practice that combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate, personalized service. Since 1989, Pacific ClearVision Institute has earned its reputation as the region’s premier destination for comprehensive ophthalmology, performing over 20,000 LASIK procedures and thousands of successful cataract surgeries. Our practice stands as the only facility outside Portland offering all FDA-approved alternatives to LASIK, ensuring you have access to every advanced vision correction option available. From routine eye exams to complex corneal transplants, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and experienced optometrists brings decades of combined expertise to your care.
Learn More About Us
Our Mission
Your daily life—from reading to your grandchildren to pursuing your favorite outdoor activities—depends on healthy, functional vision, and we’re dedicated to protecting it. Pacific ClearVision Institute operates on a collaborative care model, partnering with primary eye care providers throughout Eugene to ensure you receive coordinated treatment at every stage. We believe in treating you as a valued individual, taking time to understand your specific concerns, lifestyle needs, and vision goals before recommending any procedure or treatment plan. This patient-centered philosophy drives everything we do, from offering free LASIK consultations to providing multiple convenient office locations across Oregon.
Why Choose Us
Is LASIK for you?
Interested in LASIK in Oregon? LASIK is one of the safest and most common elective vision procedures in the United States. PCVI helped pioneer the LASIK procedure in Oregon. Our ophthalmologists have performed well over 10,000 LASIK procedures ensuring wonderful visual outcomes for our patients for over thirty years.
Learn More
Cataract Care
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed operations that helps countless individuals regain quality vision. Nine out of ten patients often obtain somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40. There are many options for you to consider when having cataract surgery. Our surgeons at PCVI will help you determine which options best fit you and your lifestyle.
Learn More
Our Role
We are proud to partner with our many Optometry friends in the greater Eugene, Oregon community and beyond. Our surgical specialists work closely with your primary eye care provider to ensure you receive the highest levels of care. From your initial consultation to post-operative care, Pacific ClearVision Institute will make sure you are well cared for.
Learn More
Treatments
Understanding Cataracts and Your Vision Health
For most people, cataracts develop as a natural part of aging. Your eye’s clear lens gradually becomes cloudy over time, which affects how you see the world. You might struggle with hazy vision, bright lights bothering you more than usual, or finding it harder to read. Night driving often becomes more difficult, too. These changes creep up so slowly that many don’t realize their vision is declining until everyday tasks become challenging.
At Pacific ClearVision Institute, we specialize in treating one of the most common causes of vision loss. While aging is the primary factor, other conditions can accelerate cataract development. Health issues, certain medications, sun exposure over the years, and past eye procedures can all play a role. The encouraging news is that modern treatment options can restore your clear vision effectively.
Recognizing When Treatment Becomes Necessary
You control the timeline for addressing your cataracts. If your current vision works well for your daily needs, there’s no rush. However, when activities you enjoy start becoming frustrating or difficult, it’s worth exploring your options with our team at Pacific ClearVision Institute.
Watch for these common signs that treatment may help:
- Struggling to see while driving safely
- Finding it hard to enjoy your favorite shows
- Needing extra light just to read comfortably
- Shopping trips are becoming more exhausting
- Colors are looking duller than they used to be
Modern Surgical Approaches That Work
Pacific ClearVision Institute uses advanced microsurgical techniques to remove cloudy lenses and replace them with clear artificial ones. Our surgeons complete the procedure quickly using sophisticated equipment and precise measurements. We offer traditional methods alongside newer laser-assisted options to match your specific needs.
Your surgery experience includes these benefits:
- Quick procedure taking roughly 10 minutes
- Comfortable local numbing without needles or patches
- Tiny self-sealing openings that heal naturally
- Resuming normal activities almost immediately
- Noticeable vision improvement often within hours
We personalize every treatment plan based on your individual situation. Our professionals take time to understand your lifestyle and visual goals before recommending the best approach. Schedule a comprehensive consultation with Pacific ClearVision Institute today to discover how we can help restore your clear, vibrant vision.
How LASIK Transforms Your Daily Vision
LASIK surgery offers a proven way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism without relying on glasses or contacts. This popular procedure at Pacific ClearVision Institute reshapes your cornea using precise laser technology, allowing light to focus properly on your retina. The process begins by creating a thin flap in the outer cornea layers using a laser. This flap stays connected to your eye on a small hinge while the underlying tissue gets reshaped. The entire laser portion typically takes less than two minutes, and both eyes can be treated in under 25 minutes.
Many people wonder if this type of vision correction suits their lifestyle and visual needs. Your goals matter significantly when considering this option. Whether you want freedom from glasses during sports, travel convenience, or simply waking up with clear vision, understanding what the procedure can achieve helps set realistic expectations. While outcomes vary by individual, the vast majority of patients achieve excellent results that dramatically improve their quality of life.
Determining Your Candidacy for Vision Correction
Several factors influence whether LASIK works well for you. The health of your eyes, cornea shape and thickness, and your specific visual objectives all play important roles. Advanced corneal imaging and thorough examinations help assess your eye structures completely. Certain conditions, like cataracts or keratoconus, may affect eligibility, and your doctor will discuss any concerns in detail.
Pacific ClearVision Institute works closely with your primary eye care provider throughout the entire process. Key considerations include:
- Stability of your current prescription over time
- Realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Overall eye health and corneal measurements
- Your lifestyle needs and visual goals
- Any existing eye conditions that need addressing
What Your Surgical Experience Includes
Preparation starts before you even arrive at Pacific ClearVision Institute for the procedure. Contact lens wearers need to stop wearing them for a specific period beforehand. Soft lens users typically wait two weeks, while those with rigid gas permeable lenses may need longer. On surgery day, you’ll take your normal medications and arrange for someone to drive you home. The staff will perform final measurements, and our surgeon will answer any remaining questions you have.
The procedure itself happens in a comfortable setting designed for your ease:
- You’ll recline in a specialized chair positioned for treatment
- Numbing drops keep you comfortable throughout the process
- A gentle separator prevents blinking during laser application
- You focus on a flashing light while the laser works
- Recovery begins immediately with minimal restrictions afterward
Our surgeons at Pacific ClearVision Institute have performed over 20,000 procedures, bringing extensive expertise to your care. We understand that how you live your life matters just as much as treating your vision. Your individual lifestyle and time are meaningful to us, which is why we craft each treatment plan specifically for you.
Strengthening Your Cornea Through Cross-Linking
Cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen weakened or thinning corneas. Your cornea can lose its structural integrity due to keratoconus or other conditions that affect the eye’s front surface. This treatment works by applying liquid riboflavin, which is vitamin B2, directly to your cornea. Controlled ultraviolet light then activates the riboflavin, creating new bonds within the corneal tissue that increase its strength and stability.
The goal of this approach is to halt the progression of conditions like keratoconus before they advance further. By reinforcing your cornea’s structure early, you can potentially avoid more invasive treatments down the road. Pacific ClearVision Institute performs this outpatient procedure in Eugene, allowing you to return to your normal routine relatively quickly while protecting your long-term vision health.
Preventing Future Vision Complications
Addressing corneal weakness early makes a significant difference in your visual future. When left untreated, progressive corneal conditions can lead to increasingly distorted vision and may eventually require more complex interventions. Cross-linking stops this progression by creating structural stability within your cornea, effectively halting keratoconus from worsening over time.
This proactive treatment at Pacific ClearVision Institute helps you avoid several potential complications:
- Reduces the likelihood of needing a cornea transplant later
- Prevents further deterioration of your corneal shape
- Maintains your current level of vision clarity
- Minimizes the risk of severe visual distortion
- Protects against accelerated disease progression
What Makes This Procedure Different
Understanding how cross-linking actually works helps you appreciate its unique approach. The riboflavin solution penetrates your corneal tissue and acts as a photosensitizer. When exposed to carefully controlled ultraviolet light, chemical reactions occur that form new collagen bonds. These bonds literally crosslink the collagen fibers in your cornea, much like adding support beams to a structure.
This procedure at Pacific ClearVision Institute stands out for several practical reasons:
- Performed conveniently as an outpatient treatment
- Uses natural vitamin B2 already found in your body
- Takes a relatively short amount of time to complete
- Requires a minimal recovery period afterward
- Offers long-lasting corneal reinforcement
We understand that your time and daily activities matter. That’s why cross-linking is designed to fit into your life with minimal disruption. The treatment takes place right here in our Eugene office, and you can typically resume most normal activities shortly afterward. By strengthening your cornea now, you’re investing in clearer, more stable vision for years ahead. Our team at Pacific ClearVision Institute works with you to determine if this approach fits your specific situation and visual needs.
Exploring LASIK Alternatives for Your Vision Needs
Not everyone qualifies as an ideal candidate for traditional LASIK surgery, but that doesn’t mean clear vision remains out of reach. Several advanced alternatives exist that can address your specific eye conditions and lifestyle requirements. Your corneal thickness, degree of refractive error, age, and overall eye health all influence which procedure works best for you. Some people have corneas too thin for standard LASIK, while others deal with severe nearsightedness or dry eye concerns that make different approaches more suitable.
Understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions about your vision correction journey. Modern techniques like SMILE, PRK, ICL, and custom lens replacement each offer unique advantages depending on your individual circumstances. Pacific ClearVision Institute provides comprehensive evaluations using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to determine which method aligns with your visual goals and anatomical characteristics.
Comparing Surface and Internal Correction Methods
Different procedures take varied approaches to reshaping how light enters your eye. PRK represents a surface ablation technique that removes the thin outer corneal layer before using an excimer laser to reshape the underlying tissue. This method works well for people with thinner corneas or certain irregularities where creating a flap isn’t the safest choice. Recovery takes slightly longer, typically spanning several weeks, but long-term results match those of other procedures.
SMILE offers a flapless alternative through a much smaller incision, essentially functioning as keyhole surgery. A femtosecond laser creates a tiny lens-shaped piece of tissue inside your cornea, which gets removed through an incision under four millimeters. This approach preserves more corneal nerves and biomechanical strength.
Key differences between these approaches at Pacific ClearVision Institute include:
- PRK removes the epithelium entirely, while SMILE keeps it intact
- SMILE uses a smaller incision than traditional flap-based methods
- Surface procedures may cause more initial discomfort during healing
- Flapless techniques potentially reduce dry eye symptoms
- Recovery timelines vary from days to weeks, depending on the method
Solutions for Complex Vision Correction Needs
When laser procedures don’t fit your situation, lens-based options provide powerful alternatives. The Implantable Collamer Lens works for people with high myopia, thin corneas, or existing dry eye problems. This biocompatible lens sits between your iris and natural lens, correcting severe cases that exceed laser treatment limits. Pacific ClearVision Institute stands among the few Oregon clinics offering this advanced procedure, and our ophthalmologists regularly perform EVO ICL insertions with excellent outcomes.
Custom Lens Replacement, also called Refractive Lens Exchange, suits those experiencing age-related vision changes. This becomes particularly relevant for active individuals between 55 and 80 years old who want freedom from glasses while enjoying outdoor activities.
These alternatives offer distinct advantages:
- ICL corrects more severe nearsightedness than laser options
- Lens replacement addresses presbyopia and cataracts simultaneously
- Both procedures work for patients ineligible for corneal reshaping
- Recovery happens quickly, with many experiencing rapid improvement
- Results remain stable over time without corneal tissue removal
Our experienced team at Pacific ClearVision Institute utilizes advanced corneal topography and wavefront analysis to customize your treatment plan. We prioritize thorough evaluations that examine your unique visual needs and eye anatomy. Consulting with our board-certified ophthalmologists helps identify which alternative best serves your specific situation, whether you need surface treatment, minimally invasive keyhole surgery, or lens-based correction for complex refractive errors.
Addressing Glaucoma Before Vision Loss Occurs
Glaucoma ranks as the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, yet many people don’t realize they have it until permanent damage occurs. This chronic eye disease progressively destroys cells in your optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. The challenge lies in its silent nature – most forms develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss happens. Early detection through regular eye examinations becomes critical for protecting your sight.
Successful management depends on catching the disease in its early stages and monitoring it consistently every four to six months. Fluid buildup in the front part of your eye creates pressure that damages the optic nerve over time. Two main types affect our patients at Pacific ClearVision Institute differently. Primary open-angle glaucoma develops gradually as drainage systems fail to work properly. Angle closure presents more urgently when your iris blocks drainage channels, potentially leading to sudden attacks with severe pain, headaches, nausea, and rapid vision loss requiring immediate medical attention.
Treatment Options That Reduce Eye Pressure
Managing this condition involves multiple approaches focused on lowering the pressure inside your eye. Your specific type and severity determine which treatment works best for your situation. First-line options typically include specialized laser procedures or prescription eyedrops that help fluid drain more effectively or reduce fluid production.
Pacific ClearVision Institute offers direct selective laser trabeculoplasty, a streamlined approach that increases fluid outflow in under a minute using only numbing drops. The G6 laser provides another option, reducing fluid production through a three-minute treatment that can potentially decrease your need for daily eyedrops.
Modern treatment choices include:
- Laser procedures provide pressure reduction lasting two to three years
- Medication implants like Durysta deliver medicine for up to a year
- iDose implants are surgically placed to release medication for three years
- Surgical filtration procedures when lasers prove ineffective
- Combination approaches tailored to your progression rate
How Long-Term Management Protects Your Vision
Consistent monitoring forms the foundation of preventing blindness from this disease. Regular checkups at Pacific ClearVision Institute every few months allow your doctor to track pressure changes and adjust treatments before damage worsens. Many patients start with eyedrops or laser treatments, then progress to longer-lasting implant options that eliminate the burden of daily medication routines.
The iDose implant represents a significant advancement for those seeking minimally invasive solutions. This microdosing device delivers controlled medication doses directly into your eye over three years or potentially longer, bypassing issues with traditional eyedrops like missed doses or poor absorption through the tear film.
Long-term management strategies offer these advantages:
- Reduces reliance on multiple daily eyedrop applications
- Improves treatment consistency through sustained medication delivery
- Minimizes frequency of doctor visits for refills
- Provides more predictable pressure control over time
- Preserves remaining vision through proactive intervention
Taking a proactive stance toward your eye health makes all the difference. At Pacific ClearVision Institute, our experienced ophthalmologists stay current with cutting-edge treatments and can assess which approach suits your individual needs. Whether you respond well to laser procedures, prefer the convenience of long-acting implants, or require surgical intervention, we develop personalized management plans that prioritize your comfort and vision preservation.
Solving Dry Eye Discomfort in Your Daily Life
Dry eye develops when your tear ducts fail to produce enough natural tears or create abnormally thick tears. This imbalance leads to uncomfortable sensations like scratching, persistent dryness, and sometimes a burning feeling that interferes with your daily activities. Many of our patients at Pacific ClearVision Institute experience these symptoms without realizing the underlying cause, especially those who spend extended hours on smartphones, computers, or other electronic devices that reduce natural blinking rates.
Environmental factors and lifestyle habits play significant roles in this condition. Dry climates naturally worsen symptoms, while prolonged screen time decreases how often you blink, preventing adequate tear distribution across your eye surface. Medical conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, and eyelid inflammation can also trigger or intensify symptoms. Even Demodex eyelid mites and complications from previous surgical procedures may contribute to this ongoing discomfort.
Understanding Why Traditional Drops Sometimes Fall Short
Many people try over-the-counter artificial tears only to find temporary relief that doesn’t address the root problem. Standard eyedrops provide moisture but often contain preservatives that can irritate sensitive eyes with frequent use. Your tear film consists of three layers – oil, water, and mucus – and simple drops typically only address the water component. When your oil glands malfunction or become blocked, drops alone won’t restore proper tear quality.
Pacific ClearVision Institute takes a comprehensive approach by identifying which layer of your tear film needs attention. We examine your eyelid health, assess tear production quality, and check for underlying inflammatory conditions that perpetuate the cycle of dryness.
Several factors explain why basic treatments may disappoint you:
- Preservatives in commercial drops can worsen irritation over time
- Blocked oil glands prevent proper tear film formation
- Underlying inflammation continues despite temporary moisture
- Eyelid conditions disrupt natural tear distribution
- Standard drops don’t address meibomian gland dysfunction
Advanced Treatment Methods That Target Root Causes
Our modern therapeutic options at Pacific ClearVision Institute go beyond simple lubrication to actually improve your eye’s natural tear production and quality. LipiFlow represents one such advancement, using gentle thermal pulsation and massage to clear blocked oil glands in your eyelids. This procedure demonstrates quick improvements by restoring the lipid layer of your tear film, which prevents rapid evaporation.
IPL combined with low-level red light therapy treats Demodex mites, blepharitis, and rosacea at their source. Blephex eyelid exfoliation opens clogged pores along your eyelid surface, improving natural tear flow. Regener-eyes amniotic liquid eyedrops provide advanced healing properties beyond conventional artificial tears.
Our Eye Wellness Center offers targeted solutions, including:
- Preservative-free artificial tears like Optase Advanced for surface lubrication
- Night-time ointments with hyaluronate to coat and protect your cornea
- Nutritional supplements such as HydroEye that support tear generation
- Thermal pulsation treatments addressing oil gland dysfunction
- Light therapy protocols eliminate inflammatory triggers
Treating this condition can feel confusing and time-consuming when you face numerous product choices and conflicting advice. At Pacific ClearVision Institute, we’ve developed our Eye Wellness Center specifically to simplify your treatment journey. We evaluate your specific type of dryness, recommend appropriate therapies, and provide everything you need in one convenient location.
Pacific ClearVision Institute Brings Your Clearest Vision Within Reach!
Taking the first step toward a clearer vision starts with a conversation about your goals and options. Our entire staff at the Pacific ClearVision Institute is committed to making your experience seamless from your first phone call through your final follow-up appointment. Whether you’re ready to say goodbye to glasses and contacts, concerned about cataracts affecting your daily activities, or simply need a comprehensive eye exam, we’re here to help you see clearly and live freely. Join the thousands of Pacific Northwest families who trust us with their vision—call 541-343-5000 today! Stay connected with our community on Facebook and Instagram for helpful eye care tips, patient stories, and updates on breakthrough treatments.
FAQs
How long has Pacific ClearVision Institute been serving Oregon?
Pacific ClearVision Institute has been providing exceptional eye care to the Pacific Northwest since 1989, giving us over 35 years of experience in the field. During this time, we’ve performed more than 20,000 LASIK procedures and thousands of cataract surgeries, establishing ourselves as Oregon’s premier destination for both routine eye care and advanced surgical treatments. Our longevity reflects our commitment to patient satisfaction, continuous improvement, and staying at the forefront of technological advances in ophthalmology.
What areas does Pacific ClearVision Institute serve?
While our main office is located in Eugene at 360 South Garden Way, we serve patients throughout Oregon, including Springfield, Salem, Bend, Corvallis, Florence, Roseburg, and Bandon. We also maintain convenient satellite offices in Cottage Grove and Oakridge to better serve patients in those communities. Our reputation for excellence has attracted patients from neighboring states, including California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Utah, demonstrating the regional trust in our specialized eye care services.
What makes Pacific ClearVision Institute different from other eye care practices?
Pacific ClearVision Institute is the only practice outside Portland offering all FDA-approved alternatives to LASIK, giving you access to the most comprehensive range of vision correction options in the region. Our surgeons have each performed over 10,000 procedures, and we invest continuously in the latest technology, like the ZiemerZ8 femtosecond laser and ORA Intraoperative Aberrometry. Beyond our technical capabilities, patients consistently tell us they appreciate being treated as people rather than numbers, with doctors who truly listen and staff who make the entire experience smooth and comfortable.
Do you offer services beyond LASIK and cataract surgery?
Absolutely—Pacific ClearVision Institute provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages and conditions. Our services include advanced glaucoma management with medication implants and minimally invasive surgery, corneal transplants and keratoconus treatment, oculoplastic procedures for eyelid concerns, and specialized treatments for dry eye, including LipiFlow therapy. We also offer pediatric myopia control programs, Valeda light therapy for dry macular degeneration, and Executive Wellness Exams that screen for conditions before they impact your vision, ensuring complete care for every member of your family.
How do I get started with Pacific ClearVision Institute?
Getting started is simple—just call Pacific ClearVision Institute at 541-343-5000 to schedule your appointment, or visit pcvi.com to submit an online request form where you can choose your preferred contact method. We offer free LASIK consultations for those interested in vision correction surgery, and our patient portal makes it easy to access forms and information before your visit. Our friendly staff will help you choose the most convenient location, answer any initial questions, and ensure you have everything you need for a smooth first appointment with our team.
