Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

If you have glaucoma and are getting cataract surgery at CHEC, your eye doctor might suggest MIGS.

MIGS procedures are known for their minimally invasive nature, utilising tiny incisions and advanced technology to enhance fluid drainage from the eye.

What is MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)?

MIGS represents a group of innovative surgical techniques aiming to control intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Glaucoma, characterised by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss, primarily due to blockages in the eye’s natural drainage pathways, similar to a clog in a kitchen sink.

Providing a less invasive alternative to traditional glaucoma surgeries, MIGS procedures focus on enhancing fluid drainage from the eye by addressing blockages at different pressure points. By “unclogging the sink,” this approach works to alleviate pressure build-up in the eye, contributing to the restoration of the natural drainage system. By minimising unnecessary blockages, MIGS proves to be an effective method for controlling intraocular pressure.

Why MIGS?

In contrast to more invasive glaucoma procedures like trabeculectomy or aqueous shunt, MIGS employs tiny incisions and microscopic equipment, minimising risks and facilitating a speedier recovery.

Commonly considered for individuals with mild to moderate glaucoma, MIGS is seamlessly combined with cataract surgery to address both conditions concurrently. If you have Glaucoma and you’re scheduled for cataract surgery at CHEC, you’ll have the option to undergo MIGS as an additional step during the cataract surgery process.

Who is suitable for MIGS?

MIGS is typically advised for individuals experiencing mild to moderate glaucoma with compromised drainage of aqueous fluid in the eye. This procedure is particularly suitable for patients with an open drainage angle, allowing the surgeon to successfully implant the device.

In certain instances of narrow/closed angle glaucoma, MIGS may also be considered post-cataract removal. Your doctor will engage in a thorough discussion with you, explaining the suitability of MIGS based on your individual case. This personalised approach ensures that your glaucoma management aligns with the characteristics of your eye and the specifics of your condition.

Risks:

Benefits:

Very small amount of bleeding inside the eye occurs in most cases during the operation but this usually resolves within a few days.
Temporary elevation in eye pressure as the eye begins to normalise.
MIGS may not lower eye pressure in some cases, however if this happens, other options to reduce eye pressure can still be explored and it will not prevent you from having further procedures for your eye.
Uncommon risk can include dislodgement or blockage if an implant to be left inside the eye.
Very uncommonly a further procedure may be required to deal with unexpected events like persistent bleeding and dislodged / blocked implants.

Preventing glaucoma progression: MIGS is designed to control the pressure within your eyes, a crucial step in preventing the progression of glaucoma. By doing so, it saves the health of your optic nerve, potentially halting further damage.
MIGS, in some cases, also may reduce your use of eye drops for glaucoma: This not only simplifies your postoperative care but also has the potential to eliminate the need for eye drops altogether. We aim to enhance your overall treatment experience and minimise the impact on your daily life.