Minimally Invasive
Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a group of advanced surgical procedures designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and treat glaucoma with minimal tissue disruption. MIGS procedures are less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries and often utilize micro-stents or specialized devices to improve fluid drainage from the eye, reducing pressure and slowing glaucoma progression.

MIGS offers several benefits compared to traditional glaucoma surgery. Patients often experience lower complication rates, faster recovery times, and improved preservation of the eye's natural anatomy. Many MIGS procedures can also be combined with cataract surgery, providing additional convenience and potentially reducing the need for glaucoma medications.

While MIGS is highly effective for many patients, it may not be the best solution for advanced glaucoma. Some patients may require additional procedures or medications to achieve optimal pressure control. Certain MIGS procedures may also have limited insurance coverage, and a small number of patients may experience temporary pressure spikes after surgery.

Several MIGS options are available depending on a patient's eye health and glaucoma severity. These include iStent Inject®, Hydrus® Microstent, iTrack™ Canaloplasty, OMNI® Surgical System, Kahook Dual Blade® (KDB), and iDose®. Each procedure works differently to improve fluid drainage and lower intraocular pressure. During your consultation, our doctors will determine which approach is most appropriate for your condition.

MIGS procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis using numbing eye drops and mild sedation. A small incision is created to access the eye's drainage system, and depending on the chosen procedure, a micro-stent may be implanted or the drainage canal may be expanded. Most procedures take between 15 and 30 minutes, and patients return home the same day.

Following surgery, patients use prescription eye drops to support healing and prevent infection. Most individuals resume normal daily activities within a few days, although strenuous activities may be restricted temporarily. Follow-up visits help monitor healing and ensure eye pressure remains controlled. Many patients begin noticing pressure reduction within several weeks after treatment.

MIGS has been highly successful in helping patients achieve long-term eye pressure control while reducing dependence on glaucoma medications. The procedures offer an excellent safety profile and can significantly improve quality of life for many glaucoma patients. When combined with cataract surgery, patients may experience additional benefits from both procedures.