Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Like conventional surgical treatment for glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is designed to reduce pressure in the eye to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Unlike conventional surgical treatment though, MIGS uses microscopic equipment and incisions to reduce some of the potential complications associated with conventional glaucoma surgery. Due to the nature of the procedure, some degree of effectiveness may be traded for the increased safety of the MIGS procedure.
There are four types of MIGS procedures that can be used to treat glaucoma:
Your eye surgeon will be able to discuss which, if any, of these procedures may be right for you.
There are four types of MIGS procedures that can be used to treat glaucoma:
- Microtrabeculectomy, or miniaturized trabeculectomy: This MIGS procedure uses tiny, microscopic tubes to drain fluid from inside the eye to the outer membrane of the eye.
- Trabecular bypass: Used primarily in early to moderate stages of glaucoma, the trabecular bypass procedure bypasses the trabecular network, which can restrict fluid drainage from the eye.
- Internal or suprachoroidal shunts: In this MIGS procedure, which can be useful for even moderately severe glaucoma, tiny tubes are placed to create a shunt and facilitate fluid drainage from the eye.
- Modified laser photocoagulation (endocyclophotocoagulation and micropulse cyclophotocoagulation): These newer laser treatments for glaucoma can help to reduce the fluid-forming capability of the eye in advanced stages of glaucoma, while lowering the risk of an inflammatory reaction in the eye.
Your eye surgeon will be able to discuss which, if any, of these procedures may be right for you.
What to Expect During & After Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
On the day of treatment, you will be welcomed by a staff member at the Ambulatory Surgery Center. The staff will help you prepare for your surgery by putting eye drops in your eye. You will be given a gown to wear over your street clothes during your actual surgery.
You will be given a relaxing sedative along with local anesthetic. An injection will also be given around the eye to prevent movement. During the surgery, you will feel little or no discomfort.
Immediately after the surgery, the surgeon will place a patch over your eye, and you will rest in a comfortable reclining chair. Your family members may then join you in reviewing your follow-up care and schedule. You will be given medication or eyedrops to prevent infection.
You will need to wear the patch for 24 hours and use special eyedrops for a period of time to prevent infection. These drops are different from the eyedrops you normally use to control your glaucoma. The doctor will monitor your condition the morning after your surgery, and continue to do so on a regular basis thereafter.
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but controlling your eye pressure will prevent further damage to your optic nerve. For this reason, following surgery, you must continue to be monitored by your doctor on a regular basis. You must also use any medications exactly as they are prescribed to obtain the maximum benefits.
You will be given a relaxing sedative along with local anesthetic. An injection will also be given around the eye to prevent movement. During the surgery, you will feel little or no discomfort.
Immediately after the surgery, the surgeon will place a patch over your eye, and you will rest in a comfortable reclining chair. Your family members may then join you in reviewing your follow-up care and schedule. You will be given medication or eyedrops to prevent infection.
You will need to wear the patch for 24 hours and use special eyedrops for a period of time to prevent infection. These drops are different from the eyedrops you normally use to control your glaucoma. The doctor will monitor your condition the morning after your surgery, and continue to do so on a regular basis thereafter.
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but controlling your eye pressure will prevent further damage to your optic nerve. For this reason, following surgery, you must continue to be monitored by your doctor on a regular basis. You must also use any medications exactly as they are prescribed to obtain the maximum benefits.
Back to Open Angle Glaucoma Page
