What is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) refers to a type of surgical procedure designed to treat glaucoma- a condition characterized by increased intraocular eye pressure (IOP) that can damage the optic nerve (“fiberoptic” cable that connects your eye to your brain) and lead to vision loss. At Batchelet Eye, MIGS procedures are completed at the time of cataract surgery in patients with mild to moderate glaucoma. The procedure typically only adds 3-5 minutes to the surgery.
MIGS procedures aim to improve the drainage of the aqueous humor (the fluid inside the eye), which can reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The technique involves using a device to open a portion of the trabecular meshwork (360 degree drain of the eye found where the colored iris meets the white sclera) where the fluid inside our eye (aqueous humor) flows out.
Patients who have a MIGS procedure should notice a reduction in their IOP which can slow or halt the progression of glaucoma. The additional benefit is that some patients will find they can reduce or eliminate the need for topical glaucoma medications. While not all patients will achieve lowering of the intra-ocular pressure, the MIGS procedure is comparatively very safe and will not limit future laser or surgery options for glaucoma treatment.