Complete Eye Care
Glaucoma
Glaucoma Treatment in
Spokane, WA
At Eye Consultants, your best vision is our only focus. Our cutting-edge tech and highly experienced staff are trained to spot and treat tricky eye diseases like glaucoma before they can do any damage — so you can rest easy knowing that your annual comprehensive eye exam keeps you safe year after year.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve, the part of the eye which receives images collected by the retina and sends them to the brain. Every eye maintains a certain amount of internal pressure, called intraocular pressure. When this pressure rises to abnormal levels it can cause progressive damage to the optic nerve. Optic nerve damage results in loss of vision, and can ultimately lead to blindness.
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.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at (509) 484-5710 or email us at info@eyeconsultantsnw.com.
Helpful Resources if you have
Glaucoma
Do I need glaucoma surgery?
Will my vision improve after glaucoma 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.
Glaucoma Treatment Near Me
We’re proudly based in Spokane, WA, and renowned for our outstanding patient care. Give us a call to book an appointment today!
Results Speak: See What Our Patients Are Saying
We make every effort at each step of the cataract journey to ensure that our patients are happy with their results, and our results speak for themselves. Read what our cataract patients say about their experience and amazing new vision.