The main reason for glaucoma surgery is to lower intraocular pressure. It reduces or prevents damage to the optic nerve. Standard glaucoma surgeries are still effective in reducing the pressure in the eye. They reduce or prevent damage to the optic nerve. But due to the nature of the surgery, they present a lot of complications.

What Is Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)?

It is a new surgical procedure that seeks to reduce the risk of traditional glaucoma surgical procedures. MIGS uses microscopic-sized equipment, precision lasers, and tiny incisions in the eye. It affects less tissue and therefore has faster recovery than traditional surgeries. Some MIGS procedures are just for dealing with glaucoma. However, others also perform cataract surgery.

Benefits of MIGS Procedures

Besides allowing for cataract surgery alongside it, there are many other benefits of MIGS. Some of them include:

 

• Shorter Surgery Time

MIGS procedures are faster than the traditional trabeculectomy and tube shunt surgeries. A shorter time during surgery is important to the safety of a patient. Even when the doctor performs cataract surgery alongside MIGS, the total time is quite shorter than usual.

However, doctors do not always perform MIGS procedures alongside cataract surgery. They can be stand-alone procedures. It is important to understand this, especially since MIGS is new and research and trials are still going on.

 

• Shorter Recovery Time

Since the MIGS procedure is less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries, recovery is also faster. The reason is that the tissues undergo less trauma. There is less inflammation and bleeding.

The doctor inserts a micro stent the size of an eyelash into the eye’s drainage system during the procedure. It allows the drainage system to open up and enlarge. The fluid then finds a way to flow out slowly, reducing the eye pressure.

 

• Safety

However, there is not enough data on its long-term safety effectiveness as it is still a new procedure. There is a need for more research and trials, especially in comparison to trabeculectomy, currently the safest traditional glaucoma surgery.

 

• Lowering Eye Pressure

Eye pressure after a MIGS procedure is usually about 15 mmHg. It is a good level for eye pressure, but it is typical. There is a need to find how to lower it more. It will allow surgeries for patients whose glaucoma is in more advanced stages. A majority of the MIGS procedures show that it is safer than trabeculectomy. But in this one thing, there is still a need for improvement.

You must talk to your doctor before you undergo any procedure or surgery. If you have open-angle glaucoma and cataracts, talk to your physician about micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

For more information on micro-invasive glaucoma surgery, visit Coastal Vision Medical Group at our office in Norco, California. You can also call (888) 501-4496 to schedule an appointment today.