EXPERT LASIK CARE
For over 20 years, Medical Eye Center has been the region’s leading provider of LASIK vision correction. Our team of specialists has helped thousands of patients achieve their visual goals and enhance their quality of life. Medical Eye Center provides comprehensive, individualized care from your consultation to post-procedure exams, and our flexible payment options put LASIK in financial reach.
ONLINE SELF-EVALUATION
ONLINE SELF-EVALUATION
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
MEET OUR PROVIDERS
Drs. Oliva and Welling are fellowship-trained cornea specialists. Among the most experienced surgeons in the Pacific Northwest, they have performed thousands of LASIK procedures.
LASIK SAVINGS ACCOUNT
If you need to purchase new glasses or contacts but are considering LASIK in the future, you can apply up to $1,000 in optical spending at Medical Eye Center towards LASIK when you are ready.
LASIK COST
WHY CHOOSE LASIK?
What is Blade-Free LASIK? The LASIK procedure we provide at Medical Eye Center utilizes an integrated, all-laser technology that eliminates the use of blades. Blade-Free LASIK is safe, effective, and the most customizable. It allows us to correct the broadest range of vision, including mild to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Our surgeons are proud to utilize this world class technology and perform Blade-Free LASIK procedures exclusively.
ALL-LASER
Our surgeons use a laser, rather than a blade, to complete your LASIK procedure. Lasers are more precise and lead to fewer complications. The process uses fast pulses of laser light to penetrate at a precise depth below the corneal surface and allow your doctor to access the underlying corneal tissue.
CUSTOMIZED
Your eye is as unique as your fingerprint. Our laser is capable of treating the two main causes of vision error, and is customizable to your unique needs. The laser has the ability to perform both Wavefront-optimized and topography-guided Contoura laser vision correction. Wavefront-optimized refers to the spherical (nearsightedness or farsightedness) and cylindrical refractive errors. Topography-guided Contoura treatment uses topographical data to detect and treat subtle corneal irregularities called higher order aberrations. Your surgeon will help you choose the best option for you, depending on your correction and corneal shape.
ACCURATE
The Wavelight EX500 laser uses the most advanced mapping technology to create a highly customized treatment based on your unique refractive error and corneal irregularities. The laser captures 22,000 unique data points on your eye and then works to remove microscopic amounts of tissue to reshape your eye and correct errors. Its high pulse frequency delivers 500 pulses per second, making it the fastest and most accurate excimer in the U.S. The high speed prevents excess corneal dehydration, which reduces the risk of swelling and infection and helps speed the healing process, leading to quicker recovery times. Our surgeons expect your eye to move during the procedure, so they use a multi-dimensional infrared eye tracker, which is 10 times faster than the human eye, and continually monitors your eye movement during treatment. This helps to ensure that natural movements won’t affect your results.
LASIK COST
LASIK is a long-term investment in your vision and lifestyle, and we work with you to make it affordable. Our universal fee covers all of the charges related to your Blade-Free LASIK procedure, including pre- and post-surgical appointments, eye mapping, 12 months of post-procedure care, and more.
Cost of Corrective Lenses
Glasses and contacts are a hassle. Glasses fog up, get obscured by rain, and can even prevent you from enjoying things like swimming, skiing, hunting, and other activities. Contacts may provide more freedom, but are a less healthy and more expensive long-term option. Your prescription must be constantly updated, which means regularly getting new eyeglass lenses, and contacts have to be perpetually re-ordered. A lifetime of corrective lenses costs more than a LASIK procedure—the average 25-year-old is projected to spend $30,000 on contacts over the next 25 years. LASIK is often the best possible solution to the inconvenience and overall cost of corrective lenses.
One Universal Fee
It’s our mission at Medical Eye Center to provide you with the best possible vision care. We charge a single, universal fee that covers all of the charges related to your Blade-Free LASIK procedure. Your fee includes:
- Pre-procedure consultation
- Wavefront optimized or Topography-Guided Contoura vision correction
- Pre-surgical testing and evaluation
- Computerized corneal mapping
- Procedure fee
- Surgery Center facility fee
- Post-procedure care for one year
- Enhancement Program
COST CALCULATOR
Cash is accepted on or before the day of your procedure. Personal checks must be received at least one week before your procedure.
We accept CareCredit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover for payment on the day of your procedure.
Most insurance companies do not consider laser vision correction medically necessary and will not pay for it. A small number of insurance plans reimburse patients who have had laser vision correction. We will provide you with a form on the day of your surgery that you can use to bill your insurance. If you have any questions, please check with your plan for more information.
The Internal Revenue Service has determined that laser vision correction is a qualified medical expense. It also qualifies for payment through employer-sponsored “cafeteria” or “flex” medical benefit plans. With these plans, you can set aside pre-tax income to pay for your procedure with a flexible spending account.
0% Down CareCredit Financing*
Please call us at 541-734-4816 for current price and billing information.
IS LASIK RIGHT FOR YOU?
Medical Eye Center uses the latest, FDA-approved, Blade-Free LASIK technology. This allows us to correct the broadest range of vision issues, including mild to severe nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In general, a good LASIK candidate meets three criteria:
- You are at least 21 years of age
- You are in good general health with no existing eye disease
- Your vision prescription has been stable for at least one year
LASIK has provided tremendous benefit to people of varying ages, professions, and lifestyles. When you are ready to reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses or contacts, we are here to help you determine whether LASIK is the right option for your needs. If you are not a candidate for LASIK, we offer alternative procedures that may be the right fit for you.
ONLINE SELF-EVALUATION
ONLINE SELF-EVALUATION
MEET THE PROVIDERS
Technology changes quickly, and we make a point of providing our patients with the latest in eye care advancements. Our LASIK surgeons are some of the most experienced in their field, and they make it a priority to be informed of the latest developments in vision care. Drs. Oliva and Welling are dedicated, caring professionals who prioritize patient care and comfort.
Advanced Training Means Advanced Care
Following medical school, ophthalmologists complete three years of comprehensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. A small percentage of ophthalmologists pursue additional training called a fellowship in order to become an expert in one particular area of the eye. While a fellowship is not required to perform LASIK, our surgeons prioritized their training and education so that they can provide you with the highest level of care.
Matt Oliva, MD
Dr. Matt Oliva is a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained corneal surgeon specializing in surgical and medical treatments of the eye including corneal transplants, cataract surgery, laser vision correction, pterygium surgery, ocular surface tumors, corneal dystrophies, and infection-related eye disease. He is also available for general ophthalmology, diabetic exams, uveitis, and routine eye care.
Read Dr. Oliva's Full Bio
John Welling, MD
Dr. John Welling is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in cataract surgery, laser vision correction (LASIK and PRK), refractive lens exchange (RLE), implantable contact lenses (ICL), corneal transplants (DMEK, DSEK, DALK, PKP), pterygium surgery, keratoconus, corneal collagen cross linking, ocular surface tumors, corneal dystrophies, and infectious eye disease. He is also available for general ophthalmology, diabetic exams, uveitis, and routine eye care.
Read Dr. Welling's Full Bio
Additional Resources
Our Experience
- Both Dr. Matt Oliva and Dr. John Welling are fellowship-trained cornea specialists.
- Our LASIK surgeons are experts in their specialties, and they make it a priority to stay informed of the latest advancements in vision care.
- More than 100 of our own staff members have had LASIK with our surgeons.
- More than 500 other eye doctors and their staff have chosen Medical Eye Center for their laser vision correction.
Not All LASIK is the Same
In order to become certified to perform LASIK, a doctor typically only attends a one-day course. The surgeons at Medical Eye Center are fellowship-trained, which means that after their medical school and ophthalmology education, they spent an additional year learning and mastering specific corneal procedures including LASIK. Their experience has proven invaluable in the thousands of LASIK procedures they have performed.
Our Specialized Staff
- Medical Eye Center has certified laser technicians on staff who operate our laser and assist our doctors during surgery.
- Our experienced surgical team completes ongoing training so they are always up-to-date on the latest technologies.
- Our patient counselors stay in contact with you during the entire process to address questions and concerns.
- We will even hold your hand during surgery!
- An ophthalmologist is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day.
- We have an after-hours phone service to take your calls in case of an emergency.
Our Technology
- Blade-free technology makes it possible to treat individuals who were previously dismissed as non-candidates because of thin corneas.
- Studies have shown that the incidents of dry eye symptoms may be reduced with Blade-Free LASIK.
- The Blade-Free IntraLase LASIK procedure is the only procedure to be approved by NASA for astronauts and Air Force fighter pilots.
- The Wavelight EX500 is the most advanced laser vision correction tool available.
- The Wavelight EX500 has the ability to perform both Wavefront-optimized and topography-guided Contoura laser vision correction. Wavefront-optimized refers to the spherical (nearsightedness or farsightedness) and cylindrical refractive errors.
- Topography-guided Contoura treatment uses topographical data to detect and treat subtle corneal irregularities called higher order aberrations. Your surgeon will help you choose the best option for you, depending on your correction and corneal shape.
- With topography-guided Contoura, the Wavelight EX500 laser uses the most advanced mapping technology to create a highly customized treatment based on your unique refractive error and corneal irregularities. Topographic measurements capture 22,000 unique data points on your eye. This diagnostic information is linked with your laser treatment and used to adjust the laser pulse placement to fine-tune irregularities on the surface of your cornea. This process provides the most precise custom LASIK treatment available.
- Our multi-dimensional infrared eye tracker moves 10 times faster than the human eye and tracks your eye movement during treatment, pausing the laser automatically until your eye moves back into the treatment position.
Our Equipment
Did you know: Most laser vision correction centers rent their equipment?
Medical Eye Center owns all of our equipment, giving us the consistency we need to provide the best possible care for your eyes.
LASIK Enhancement Program
Enhancement procedures for LASIK or PRK will be performed at the discretion of your surgeon based on his or her medical judgment. Examinations and enhancement procedures are free for one year after the date of your original procedure. After one year, enhancements will be charged at a reduced fee. You will also be charged the usual and customary fees by Medical Eye Center and/or your primary eye doctor as well as $250 for a pre-surgical exam and measurements with us to determine if you are a candidate for enhancement.
Our enhancement program is subject to change at any time. During your life, you may develop other eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc., which may change your vision and require surgery. These conditions are not covered under this program. Having other eye surgeries, such as cataract surgery or retinal detachment surgery, may result in your becoming more dependent on glasses in the future. Enhancements to correct vision after other surgeries are not covered under this policy. New technologies or treatments for other conditions may be developed that would also not be covered. The program may not be continued by other providers or entities. The fee we charge for enhancements may change over time.
Blade-Free LASIK is the best way for our providers to customize your treatment and reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contacts. Clinical studies show that one year after the procedure:
- Many patients achieve vision that is 20/16 or better
- 100% of nearsighted patients could pass a driving test without corrective lenses
- 98% of mild-to-moderately nearsighted patients could see 20/20 or better without corrective lenses
- Four times as many mild-to-moderately nearsighted patients were very satisfied with their night vision after treatment, compared to night vision with corrective lenses.
Benefits of the Blade-Free LASIK Procedure
When compared to other forms of vision correction procedures, including traditional LASIK, Blade-Free LASIK offers many benefits.
- Flexibility and customization means more patients are eligible
- Better results for patients diagnosed with dry eye
- Better long-term safety
- A more sterile procedure than traditional LASIK
- Patient comfort, both physical and mental
- Better corrective outcomes
LASIK is not for everyone. It involves risk and the results are not guaranteed. You may not be a good candidate due to your career, an unstable glasses prescription, a very high or low correction, or large pupils. You may still need reading glasses, results may not be lasting, and more than one treatment may be required due to under or over-correction.
Side effects may include but are not limited to dry eye syndrome, which can be severe; visual symptoms including halo effect, glare, double vision, and/or starbursts, which can be debilitating; and the loss of vision. Glasses and/or contact lenses may be needed after surgery. LASIK is contraindicated in patients with collagen vascular, autoimmune or immunodeficiency diseases, in pregnant or nursing women, in patients with signs of keratoconus or abnormal corneal topography, in patients who are taking one or both of the following medications: Isotretinoin (Accutane®); Amiodarone hydrochloride (Cordarone®) and Sumatriptan (Imitrex®). LASIK is not recommended in patients who have diabetes, a history of Herpes simples or Herpes zoster eye disease, significant dry eye that is unresponsive to treatment and severe allergies.
The safety and effectiveness of LASIK has not been established in patients with progressive myopia, ocular disease, previous ocular surgery or trauma, glaucoma or thin corneas. After LASIK, it may be more difficult to see under certain circumstances such as dim light, rain, snow, fog, or glare from bright lights at night. Device malfunctions or errors during surgery and complications after surgery, such as infection, LASIK flap displacement and inflammation may require another procedure, aggressive therapy and may lead to a loss of vision.
More information is available at www.fda.gov
WaveLight® EX500 Laser and iFS® Advanced Femtosecond Laser Patient Information
Please review this information from the laser manufacturer so you can make an informed decision about having the LASIK procedure. Click here to view the patient information at Alcon and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
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Alternatives to LASIK
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is a surgical correction that removes a natural lens from the eye and replaces it with a clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL). Once in place, the IOL acts as an internal contact lens behind the iris of the eye. The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery, one of the most commonly performed eye surgeries. The implant allows your eye to better focus on objects, reducing the need for glasses or contacts. There are several different types of IOL implants available today, and we’ll help you determine which one is best for your vision.
Types of RLE Lens Implants:
Standard intracocular lens implants
A standard mono-focal IOL has one point of focus, which is usually distance vision. If you choose a standard IOL, you will generally need glasses for near activities like reading. On the other hand, if your mono-focal IOLs are focused on near vision, you would need glasses to see distant objects clearly. This is the case even if you didn’t need glasses before surgery.
Custom intracocular lens implants
Custom IOLs are a revolutionary advance over the standard mono-focal IOL. Medical Eye Center was one of the first eye practices in the country to offer these premium lens implants for patients who choose custom cataract surgery. Your doctor will help determine which implant is best for you.
Options include:
Multi-focal intracocular lens implants
A multi-focal IOL contains multiple zones that focus light at a variety of distances, allowing you to see a continuous range of vision without glasses. This results in excellent visual acuity of close up and far away objects. Many patients report the ability to read small print and see distances, both without glasses. The Alcon ReSTOR® IOL is the multi-focal IOL we have chosen for our patients. This lens can however, produce rings or halos around bright lights and may make it difficult to see in low light situations, such as driving at night. While most patients adapt to this effect over a period of several months, the ReStor IOL is be a good choice if near vision is your priority.
Accommodating intracocular lens implants
An accommodating IOL is designed to flex much like your eye’s healthy, natural lens, providing a continuous range of vision as you constantly change focus on the world around you. The Crystalens® IOL is the only FDA approved accommodating IOL. This lens has the ability to “accommodate,” or change shape, allowing it to focus on both far and near objects. The Crystalens IOL tends to provide excellent distance and intermediate vision. Most patients can function well without glasses for distance and casual reading, but may need glasses for fine print and very close work. Click here to learn more about the Crystalens IOL.
Toric intracocular lens implants
If you have astigmatism, your surgeon may recommend a Toric IOL which helps restore clarity to distance vision. Correcting astigmatism once required that tiny limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) be made in the cornea to change its shape. Now Toric IOLs can replace the need for these incisions in patients with mild to moderate astigmatism. For those with higher levels of astigmatism, a combination of technologies may be used. Generally, these procedures reduce the thickness of your glasses at all distances and may also reduce your reliance on glasses for distance vision.
Read our FAQs on Refractive Lens Exchange
An Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) provides laser vision correction for patients with high amounts of nearsightedness (myopia) who are not candidates for LASIK. This technically advanced lens material is made of 100% pure collagen copolymer, which is compatible with your body’s natural chemistry. It transmits light very similarly to your natural lens because the collagen copolymer’s characteristics are nearly identical to the human crystalline lens. And as an added feature, it contains a UV blocker that actually helps prevent harmful UVA and UVB rays from entering the eye.
Unlike cataract surgery, ICL does not require the removal of the eye’s crystalline lens, and unlike LASIK or other refractive procedures, the ICL procedure does not involve the removal of sensitive eye tissue. This short outpatient procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, wherein the ICL is inserted into the eye through a micro-opening. The lens unfolds in the eye and is positioned between the iris and the natural lens where it stays indefinitely. This makes the procedure efficient and dramatically reduces healing time. In fact, you will experience full recovery typically in 1-2 days, with minimal discomfort.
Your eye surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for ICL based on your correction needs, eye health, medical history and desired outcome for refractive surgery.
Like LASIK, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshapes the cornea in order to improve vision deficits caused by myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. During PRK, our surgeons use the Excimer Laser to gently reshape the cornea by removing cells from its surface. One of the key differences between LASIK and PRK is that during PRK, cells are removed directly from the corneal surface, rather than under the corneal flap created during LASIK. For this reason, PRK is often more appropriate for people with thin corneas.
FAQs
At Medical Eye Center, we want you to get the best care for your eyes, regardless of cost. We offer several payment options to help you achieve your best possible vision, and a convenient payment plan lets you begin your procedure immediately, then pay for it with monthly payments that fit easily into your budget. When considering the cost of glasses and contacts, LASIK is an investment in that will pay for itself over time. Learn more about the cost of LASIK vs. contact lenses.