Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) Options: A Modern Approach to Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. It is typically caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve over time. Thankfully, recent advances in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) have provided a new, safer, and less invasive way to manage this condition.
At Mosaddegh Eye Institute, we offer a range of MIGS procedures designed to help reduce IOP and manage glaucoma with minimal disruption to your daily life. These options are often suitable for people with early to moderate glaucoma, and can even be combined with cataract surgery in some cases.
In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of the MIGS procedures available at our clinic, including iStent®, Omni®, and iDose®, and answer some common questions about these treatments.
What is MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)?
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) refers to a group of procedures that aim to lower eye pressure by improving the drainage of fluid from the eye. Unlike traditional glaucoma surgeries, which may require larger incisions and longer recovery times, MIGS procedures involve smaller, less invasive techniques, often leading to faster healing and fewer complications.
MIGS is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma who may not be responding well to medication or eye drops but are not yet at a stage where more invasive surgeries like trabeculectomy are necessary.
At Mosaddegh Eye Institute, we focus on three effective MIGS options: iStent®, Omni®, and iDose®.
MIGS Procedures at Mosaddegh Eye Institute
Here’s a closer look at the MIGS treatments available at our clinic:
1. iStent®: A Tiny Implant for Fluid Drainage
The iStent® is one of the smallest devices approved by the FDA for glaucoma treatment. It’s a tiny titanium stent that is implanted into the eye to help drain fluid more effectively and lower intraocular pressure (IOP).
- How it Works: The iStent creates a bypass in the eye’s trabecular meshwork—the part of the eye responsible for draining fluid—allowing it to flow more easily.
- Who it’s for: iStent is ideal for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. The procedure is often combined with cataract surgery, offering a two-in-one treatment approach.
2. Omni®: Dual Treatment for Improved Fluid Drainage
The Omni® Surgical System is a dual-action MIGS device that addresses both the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal, two areas responsible for fluid drainage in the eye. This system can be used to treat open-angle glaucoma and some forms of angle-closure glaucoma.
- How it Works: The Omni device performs both a goniotomy (removing tissue to open the drainage angle) and viscodilation (expanding the Schlemm’s canal to enhance fluid flow).
- Who it’s for: Omni is suitable for patients who have moderate glaucoma and need a more comprehensive treatment to manage their intraocular pressure.
3. iDose®: A Long-Term Solution for Medication Delivery
The iDose® implant is designed for patients who need long-term medication to manage glaucoma but prefer a more consistent method than eye drops. The device slowly releases medication over a period of months to help control intraocular pressure.
- How it Works: iDose is implanted into the eye during a short surgical procedure, and it gradually releases medication to reduce IOP.
Who it’s for: Ideal for patients who require long-term glaucoma medication but struggle with adhering to daily eye drops.
Benefits of MIGS Procedures
- Faster Recovery: MIGS procedures generally require smaller incisions and have shorter recovery times than traditional glaucoma surgeries, with many patients able to return to normal activities within a couple of days.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Because MIGS procedures are less invasive, they are associated with fewer complications, such as infection, scarring, or significant changes in vision.
- Faster Recovery: MIGS procedures generally require smaller incisions and have shorter recovery times than traditional glaucoma surgeries, with many patients able to return to normal activities within a couple of days.
Are You a Good Candidate for MIGS?
MIGS procedures are typically best for patients with early to moderate glaucoma, particularly those who:
- Are not able to manage their IOP with eye drops alone.
- Prefer a less invasive treatment option.
- Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on daily glaucoma medications.
- Are undergoing cataract surgery and wish to address both issues simultaneously.
If you have advanced glaucoma, traditional surgery may be more appropriate, but MIGS can still be an option for some patients at earlier stages.
What to Expect During MIGS Surgery
MIGS procedures are usually performed as outpatient surgeries under local anesthesia, meaning you can return home the same day. The procedures generally take between 15 to 30 minutes and involve minimal discomfort.
After surgery, you may experience some mild irritation or dryness, but recovery time is typically quick—most people are back to normal activities within 1 to 2 days. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure your eye pressure stays within a safe range.
Conclusion
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) offers a promising option for people with early to moderate glaucoma who are looking for an effective and less invasive way to manage their condition. iStent®, Omni®, and iDose® are all advanced treatments designed to reduce intraocular pressure with minimal recovery time and fewer risks compared to traditional surgery.
If you think you might be a candidate for MIGS, or if you simply want to learn more about these treatment options, schedule a consultation with an eye care professional at Mosaddegh Eye Institute. Together, we can help you find the right solution to preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience a short recovery period. While recovery times can vary, many people are able to return to their normal routine in 1 to 2 days. You may need to avoid strenuous activities for a short period and follow post-surgical care instructions.
While MIGS can reduce or eliminate the need for eye drops in many cases, some patients may still need occasional medication to maintain a safe intraocular pressure. Your ophthalmologist will help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
MIGS is primarily intended for mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma. If you have more advanced glaucoma or other forms of the condition, more traditional surgeries may be necessary.
- Faster recovery and fewer office visits compared to separate surgeries
- Reduced risk of vision loss from uncontrolled glaucoma
MIGS procedures have been shown to effectively reduce intraocular pressure in most patients with early to moderate glaucoma. The effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors, but many patients experience significant improvement in pressure control.
Yes! In fact, many patients with both glaucoma and cataracts opt to combine MIGS with cataract surgery. This allows for both conditions to be addressed in a single procedure, making it more convenient and cost-effective.
