{"id":17745,"date":"2021-10-03T11:58:13","date_gmt":"2021-10-03T11:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=17745"},"modified":"2021-10-03T11:58:13","modified_gmt":"2021-10-03T11:58:13","slug":"minimally-invasive-glaucoma-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-conditions\/glaucoma-guide\/minimally-invasive-glaucoma-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, commonly called MIGS, is an advanced approach to glaucoma treatment.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Glaucoma<\/a> is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve<\/a>, usually as a result of high intraocular pressure<\/a>. While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, MIGS can help lower eye pressure to prevent optic nerve damage and loss of vision.<\/p>\n

What are MIGS?<\/b><\/h2>\n

While a range of glaucoma treatment<\/a> options exist, for many, a MIGS procedure can be most effective at lowering eye pressure.<\/p>\n

MIGS are tiny devices that are inserted into the eye to lower eye pressure.<\/b><\/p>\n

This procedure is less invasive than standard glaucoma surgery, has a shorter recovery time for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, and leads to fewer complications than traditional surgical methods.<\/p>\n

A MIGS procedure is also a viable choice for those who want to reduce their daily reliance on glaucoma eye drops and medication.<\/p>\n

Types of MIGS<\/b><\/h2>\n

1. Microtrabeculectomy<\/b><\/p>\n

A micro trabeculectomy is a procedure that involves placing microscopic tubes into the eye to enable proper drainage of eye fluid.<\/p>\n

There are two devices that are most frequently used: the Xen Gel Stent and the PRESERFLO Microshunt (previously known as INNFocus).<\/p>\n

These devices are safe and effective in lowering eye pressure, especially when compared to traditional trabeculectomy surgery.<\/p>\n

2. Trabecular surgery<\/b><\/p>\n

The trabecular meshwork is frequently the main source of fluid drainage obstruction.<\/p>\n

Several procedures have been designed to cut through the trabecular meshwork in order to widen the fluid drainage pathway<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Trabecular surgery is performed under high-power microscopy. This procedure involves cutting a microscopic-sized hole in the meshwork and implanting a tiny snorkel-shaped device.<\/p>\n

The most commonly used devices are the iStent and Trabectome or Trab360.<\/p>\n

These procedures are most effective for early to moderate stages of glaucoma, as they produce only a limited reduction in eye pressure.<\/p>\n

3. Suprachoroidal shunts<\/b><\/p>\n

Suprachoroidal shunts are small tubes that are implanted into the suprachoroidal space, between the retina and outerwall of the eye, to promote fluid drainage from the eye.\u00a0 As the fluid drains, the eye pressure is reduced.<\/p>\n

This method is effective for moderate to severe cases of glaucoma and has a low rate of serious complications.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED: <\/b>What is Glaucoma?<\/a><\/p>\n

If you have glaucoma, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you<\/a> to determine if MIGS is right for you.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\t

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