Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD is an ophthalmologist in Washington, DC specializing in general ophthalmology. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1987 and has 37 years of experience. Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Health.
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest Floor 3
Washington, DC 20007
14955 Shady Grove Road Suite 125
Rockville, MD 20850
LASIK
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently correcting refractive vision errors. Refractive vision errors are sight problems (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that typically require patients to wear contact lenses or glasses. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurred vision at a distance, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes objects that are up close appear blurry. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. Each eye is either nearsighted or farsighted, and can additionally have astigmatism. These refractive vision errors develop from imperfections in the curvature of the eye, which LASIK fixes through the use of a laser. The laser changes the shape of the eye by cutting away tissue from the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye).
LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure (not medically necessary) since patients can wear glasses or contact lenses instead of undergoing LASIK. Nevertheless, many people still elect to undergo LASIK to have better vision without having to wear corrective lenses. Certain professionals, such as pilots, military members, firefighters, and athletes, might particularly benefit from LASIK.
Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) evaluate patients before surgery, measuring the cornea and checking for any eye irregularities that would disqualify patients from LASIK. A special eye scanner is used to create a map of the cornea. This map guides the surgeon in developing an individualized LASIK treatment plan. Once approved for LASIK, contact-wearers are advised to switch to glasses for the three weeks leading up to their surgery.
LASIK is a brief procedure, lasting for about half an hour, depending on the state of a patient's eyes and the corneal reshaping required. Patients lie down on a reclining chair and have numbing eye drops applied to one or both eyes to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure. While the eyes are held open by a device, the eye surgeon raises a fixation light where patients direct their eyes. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to cut a precise circular incision in the cornea's surface. The surgeon then manually folds back the corneal flap to access the stroma (inner cornea).
An excimer laser is then used to remove certain amounts of corneal tissue. For patients with farsightedness, the laser cuts tissue on the outer regions of the cornea, making the central cornea more prominent. For patients with nearsightedness, the opposite is done; central corneal tissue is removed while the outer tissue is left alone, flattening the eye. In patients with astigmatism, the laser is used to even out the surface of the corneal tissue, making the eye more spherical. When the lasering process is complete, the ophthalmologist folds the corneal flap to its regular position. The flap quickly begins to heal and naturally reattach itself to the eye.
LASIK patients need someone to drive them home from the procedure and cannot drive for the following 24 hours. Recovery from LASIK lasts about five days. Patients typically notice improved vision within a day or two of surgery. Prescription eye drops are given to patients to alleviate discomfort and promote eye healing. During this recovery time, patients must be incredibly careful not to touch or rub their eyes. Ophthalmologists often instruct patients to wear protective glasses during the day and night to prevent potential damage from eye rubbing.
LASIK can improve the experience of certain activities such as swimming or reading, and in some cases, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe refractive vision errors. LASIK may also save patients money by eliminating the recurring need for updated corrective lenses.
Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1987. He completed residency at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology and has a state license in District of Columbia.
Medical School: Harvard Medical School (1987)
Residency: Newton-Wellesley Hospital (1988)
Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology
Licensed In: District of Columbia
Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Indemnity, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MAMSI, AARP, Coventry National Network PPO, Aetna, United Healthcare Choice Plus, Blue Choice, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna Managed Choice POS, First Health, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, Medicare Fee for Service, Choice Fund PPO, CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO, CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity, M.D. IPA (HMO), Open HMO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), POS OA & OA Plus, MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan), Network OA, Innovation Health: PPO, CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Opoen HMO Option, CFBCBS EPO, Innovation Health: Indemnity, CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: POS, Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, Choice POS & Choice POS II, United Student Resources, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, HealthyBlue PPO, CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Open EPO Plus, Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, Open POS II, PPO and PPO Plus and Innovation Health: POS Plus.
According to our sources, Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 6 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. David Gordon Wagner, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Allergan Inc. |
$45
OZURDEX $45 |
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Renovia Inc |
$38
leva Pelvic Floor Trainer $38 |
Heidelberg Engineering, Inc. |
$30
Spectralis $30 |
VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc. |
$26
Implantable Miniature Telescope IMT by Dr Isaac Lipshitz $26 |
Mission Pharmacal Company |
$17
CitraNatal $17 |
Other |
$12
CORVITE FE W QUATREFOLIC $12 |
Food and Beverage | $137 |
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Gift | $30 |
Dr. David Wagner is a physician who specializes in surgery and ophthalmology (eye disease). Patients gave him an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5). Dr. Wagner's clinical interests include macular degeneration, macular hole, and glaucoma. He is affiliated with Washington DC VA Medical Center. According to Doctor.com, new patients are welcome to contact his office in Washington, DC. Dr. Wagner attended medical school at Harvard Medical School.