Expert Glaucoma Care
in Spokane
Protect your vision with early detection, advanced diagnostics, and leading-edge glaucoma treatments from the trusted team at Eye Consultants.
At Eye Consultants, your best vision is our only focus. Our cutting-edge tech and highly experienced physicians are trained to detect and treat eye diseases like glaucoma before they can do any damage — so you can rest easy knowing that your regular comprehensive eye exams are keeping your eyes protected year after year.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affects the optic nerve, the part of the eye which connects the retina with the visual pathways of the brain. Glaucoma is frequently associated with high pressure inside the eye. When eye pressure rises to abnormal levels it can cause progressive damage to the optic nerve. Optic nerve damage results in permanent loss of peripheral or central vision, and can ultimately lead to blindness. Because optic nerve damage generally progresses very slowly, and without noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are necessary to detect early signs of glaucoma and to provide treatment to slow or stop loss of vision.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several different types of glaucoma. The two most common types are open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease and usually develops with age.
Risk factors for open-angle glaucoma include:
- Advanced age
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated intraocular pressure
- Certain ethnic backgrounds, particularly African descent
- Severe nearsightedness
- Frequent use of corticosteroid medications
- Other systemic diseases such as diabetes can increase risk
Because open-angle glaucoma usually has no symptoms until significant, irreparable damage has occurred to the optic nerve, it is frequently called the “sneak thief of sight.” It is essential to have a well-trained eye physician check the pressure in your eyes and examine your optic nerves on a regular basis. The best way to avoid serious vision loss is early diagnosis and treatment.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma is far less common than open-angle. This type of glaucoma occurs when outflow of fluid from the eye is blocked, causing a rapid and severe elevation of the intraocular pressure.
Risk factors for closed-angle glaucoma include:
- Extreme farsightedness
- Advanced age
- Family history of angle-closure glaucoma
- Certain ethnic backgrounds, particularly Asian or Inuit descent
Our Advanced Glaucoma Treatments
There is a wide range of treatments for glaucoma, including medicated eye drops, laser surgery, and multiple surgical options. The treatment is based on the type and severity of disease after a thorough examination and diagnostic testing.
In the past two decades there has been significant advances in surgical interventions known as Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS. These procedures can be performed through very small incisions, cause minimal trauma, and can often be combined with cataract surgery or other needed procedures.
Our doctors have decades of experience diagnosing and treating glaucoma, and our surgeons can provide the full range of laser treatments, MIGS and other surgical procedures.
Because of the seriousness of the disease, and because noticeable symptoms are usually absent, regular screening exams are recommended, particularly for those who may be a higher risk.
Take Control of Your Eye Health Today
Schedule your glaucoma screening with Eye Consultants and get the expert care you need to protect your vision for years to come.
Dr. Christian Draper, board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist, brings advanced expertise in cataract and glaucoma surgery to Eye Consultants in Spokane, WA. With training from institutions like Columbia University and the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Draper delivers patient-centered care using the latest techniques in micro-invasive glaucoma and cataract surgery.
Meet Our Glaucoma Specialist: Dr. Christian Draper, M.D
Originally from Glendale, California, Dr. Draper brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the field of ophthalmology, with a focus on glaucoma and cataract surgery. His talent and dedication to patient care make him a valuable asset to the Eye Consultants family and communities in the Inland Northwest.
Dr. Christian Draper completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at Brigham Young University, where his passion for the medical field began to take root. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Texas Tech University Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Draper’s commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge continued as he pursued an Internal Medicine internship at the University of California through Riverside Community Hospital and then finished his residency in ophthalmology at Nassau University Medical Center on Long Island, New York. During his residency, Dr. Draper had the privilege of completing rotations at the renowned Columbia University Harkness Eye Institute, and he was recognized for his exceptional performance and dedication to his craft when he served as Chief Resident during his final year of training.
After his residency, Dr. Draper embarked on a fellowship in Glaucoma at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where he focused on micro-invasive and traditional glaucoma surgery, glaucoma laser surgery, as well as conventional and complex cataract surgery. His commitment to innovation and patient-centric care perfectly aligns with Eye Consultants’ mission to provide the highest quality of eye care to the community.
Dr. Draper is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.
When he’s not focused on his medical pursuits, Dr. Draper indulges in his passion for music, art, and traveling. He and his family are avid outdoor enthusiasts, and they fully embrace the abundance of outdoor activities that the Inland Northwest offers, including hiking and skiing.
Two words best describe my previous two visits. TOP SHELF. Excellent service and a definite feeling that Eye Consultants really does care about the health of my eyes. This is something that is getting more rare in other firms as we continue to evolve into the future.
– William Branshaw
Ready to See Clearly and Live Fully?
Experience expert eye care with personalized treatments designed just for you. Whether you need a routine exam, advanced surgery, or relief from eye discomfort, Eye Consultants is here to help.