Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, MD

Expert Publications

• Hydrogen peroxide stimulates rat colonic prostaglandin production and alters electrolyte transport.
• Immune system control of rat and rabbit colonic electrolyte transport. Role of prostaglandins and enteric nervous system.
• Pathology of corneal endothelium in keratoconus.
• Ectopia of both moieties of ureteral duplication anomalies.

Media Releases

Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Christopher W. Sturbaum, who serves patients in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Dr. Sturbaum is a seasoned ophthalmologist with over 27 years of experience in the field. He moved to Spokane in 1997 and has developed a highly regarded surgical ophthalmology practice – Empire Eye Physicians – where he provides secondary and tertiary eye care. His practice emphasizes advanced anterior segment care including expertise in cataract surgery, laser vision correction, complex or difficult refractive surgical cases and specialized corneal transplantation. His unique training in corneal surgery is a great benefit to the patients of the Inland Northwest.

With over 60 years of excellence in eye care for the State of Washington, Empire Eye Physicians delivers the highest standard of medical and surgical ophthalmology services within a professional and compassionate patient centered environment. Their highly trained staff and outstanding physicians strive to be the leaders in medical eye care and eye surgery by providing the highest quality patient care.

A native of Colorado, Dr. Sturbaum graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in 1981, before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at Colorado State University in 1986, and completing his Post-Baccalaureate education at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988. After receiving his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Sturbaum completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston. Following residency, he went on to become a corneal specialist with fellowship training at the University of Texas-Houston.

Distinguished as a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctor attained board certification in ophthalmology through the American Board of Ophthalmology, an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

Maintaining membership status, he is a proud member of the Spokane County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and the John B. Graham Honorary Students Research Society.

Among his other roles, Dr. Sturbaum serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for Johnson and Johson (since 2018), and Allergan (since 2016). In the past, he was a KOL for TearScience (2016-2017), Alcon Medical (2014-2017), and Abbott Medical Optics (2014-2017), as well as a Committee Member of the Executive Medical Board for the Valley Outpatient Surgery Center (2001-2006).

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. Ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and may perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

An authority in his field, Dr. Sturbaum has been the recipient of The Leading Physicians of the World – Top Ophthalmologist (2012), Consumer Research Council of America – America’s Top Ophthalmologist (2003), America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals Award (2003), National Directory of Medical Specialists (2001-2003), and Strathmore’s Who’s Who List of Professionals Award (2001-2003).

Recommended Articles

• What are the Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?

  Cataract is a disease which makes an eye lens to appear cloudy, thus reducing the eyesight. A normal eye lens assists in focusing light onto the retina for clear and undistorted image appearance. When a cataract forms in the eye, it makes images appear blurred and distorted. Although cataracts can...

• What Is HSV-1?

  Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)HSV-1 or herpes simplex virus type 1 is a type of herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. It is called "oral herpes" because it often causes sores around the mouth or on the lips. Cold sores are also called as fever blisters. However, the sores can also be found...

• What Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis?

  What is bacterial conjunctivitis?Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the palpebral or bulbar part of the eye. There are many types and many causes of conjunctivitis. One common type is bacterial conjunctivitis, wherein bacteria that infect the eyes spread through direct contact with an infected...

• What is Age-Related Cataracts?

  When the eye lens changes with age, cataracts develop and your vision becomes blurry. A clear structure, the lens is located at the back of the pupil. Light streams in via the cornea and the lens directs it to the retina when it enters the eye.When you start to age, cataracts can begin developing,...

• What Causes Albinism?

  What is albinism?Albinism is a group of genetic disorders that cause little or no production of the natural pigment called melanin. The color of your skin, hair, and eyes depend on the type and amount of melanin produced by your body. Most individuals with albinism have sun sensitivity, which makes...

• What is Chalazion? Know about its Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

  What is Chalazion?A chalazion is a benign and painless nodule which can occur in the upper or lower eyelid. It is common and is sometimes called a meibomian cyst or a tarsal cyst. The term chalazion (pronounced kah-la'-ze-on) originates from the Greek word which means a small lump. These nodules...