Warren R. “Chip” Fagadau, M.D., and Sarah Mirza, M.D. are experienced, board-certified ophthalmologists who have trained extensively in laser vision correction procedures. They offer a private practice setting where the entire staff is dedicated to providing you with specialized care throughout the refractive surgery process. From the initial comprehensive examination through the post-operative examination, Dr. Fagadau or Dr. Hawk, assisted by a certified ophthalmic technician, will be present before, during, and after your procedure.
Dr. Fagadau and Dr. Mirza perform laser vision correction at the highest level of quality. The surgery is performed at UT Southwestern Medical Center which ranks among the top academic centers in the world. Using state-of-the-art laser equipment for both the flap and reshaping of the cornea, we can provide the best possible vision correction improvement.
How Do You Know If LASIK Is Right For You?
The key to successful, safe surgery in any field of medicine is an informed patient, with realistic expectations and a skilled experienced surgeon. That is why it is so important to choose a surgeon who will do a thorough examination to determine whether you are a good candidate. Individuals who have severe dry eyes, certain corneal disorders, and other eye conditions should not undergo LASIK surgery. If Dr. Fagadau & Dr. Mirza determine that LASIK does not fit either your lifestyle or individual needs they can guide you toward an alternative that will be right for you.
You must be at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit as long as your eyes are healthy and you are in generally good health. What are your expectations? Dr. Fagadau & Mirza will tell you that laser vision correction does not always produce 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. LASIK does not correct for the aging of the eye that normally occurs around the age of 40 also known as presbyopia and results in the need for reading glasses. For the majority of our patients in their 40’s, we perform monovision, leaving one eye for distance and the other for reading. Spend some time talking to your physician so you can make an informed decision on what choice is best for you.
Know Your Price
As a smart consumer, it is important to ask questions. There should not be any confusion on the price and what is included. Ask if the cost is for basic vision correction surgery or are there additional costs that are added on for custom procedures? Be sure that the price includes everything involved with your eye care, from pre-surgery evaluations through post-operative follow-up care. Our office only offers a complete comprehensive premium package.
What Can I Expect From My Surgery?
LASIK is a two-step process that has been performed on millions of patients. In the last several years two extensive advances have taken place that have added a new level of safety and precision to the procedure, compelling even more patients than ever to undergo LASIK surgery. The first advancement is the Intralase Laser which has slowly replaced the traditional handheld mechanical device known as the microkeratome that was used to lift the superficial layer of the cornea called the flap. The Intralase Laser uses a high-tech pulse laser to create a bladeless flap. This is done to expose the inner layers of the cornea where the reshaping laser, called the excimer, will be applied to reshape the cornea, correcting the nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Now that the flap can be made without the use of a blade, many of the complications and risks previously involved with LASIK are no longer of concern. In addition, when the flap is replaced the tissue “reseats” with a tighter seal, and the flap heals faster.
The second technology in LASIK eye surgery is Wavefront. Wavefront is a unique mapping system that can now record the unique patterns of each individual’s vision. We are now able to transfer these maps to the excimer laser which will enable the surgeon to correct each person’s unique vision imperfections. Both the use of Intralase and Wavefront form the foundation of Custom LASIK. Both components are essential for a truly customized LASIK procedure.