Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery

MIGS procedures are currently available to patients who are being treated for glaucoma and are candidates for cataract surgery. Patients generally are good candidates for MIGS if they have mild to moderate glaucoma, have trouble instilling or forget to use drops, or if their eye pressure is not controlled with eye drops

MIGS allows for the fluid inside the eye, called aqueous, to flow out of the eye better, which causes a decrease in the intraocular pressure (IOP), allowing for better control of glaucoma.

MIGS procedures can be done at the same time as cataract surgery to reduce drop dependence. There are several different MIGS available which will be discussed at your cataract evaluation appointment. 

MIGS are often not sufficient treatment for patients with severe glaucoma who require a low IOP goal.  For these patients, traditional incisional surgeries such as glaucoma drainage implants or trabeculectomy are often still indicated.

1.) OMNI

OMNI Surgical System created by Sight Sciences is an implant-free option for intraocular pressure (IOP) management. It is done concurrently with cataract surgery.  

2.) HYDRUS

Hydrus Microstent is a stent implanted during cataract surgery to help fluid outflow and lower pressure. The Hydrus is about the size of an eyelash and cannot be seen once surgery is complete. 

3.) iStent

iStent inject, created by Glaukos, is another option for glaucoma treatment. up to three tiny stents can placed during cataract extraction to help lower eye pressure.   

4.) How to choose?

Certain medical conditions may determine if you are a good candidate for a MIGS procedure including if you are on blood thinners, history of eye trauma, previous eye surgeries, severity of glaucoma and other ocular disease