Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is an advanced surgical treatment for Glaucoma. It aims to reduce intraocular pressure by either increasing outflow of aqueous humor or to reduce its production.
MIGS comprises a group of surgical procedures which share standard features.
What is the cause of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease known for its intense pressure caused by the inside of the eye. It is caused by multiple conditions that result in optic nerve damage that could cause blind spots and loss of vision. There are two main types of it –
- Primarily open-angle glaucoma, the more complex the types to detect, includes gradual loss of peripheral vision, leading to tunnel vision in advanced stages. It usually occurs in both the eyes and goes unnoticed by many.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma, another common type of condition, is entirely different in its symptoms and signs. The symptoms include eye pain, sudden onset of visual disturbance, halos around lights, blurred vision, reddening of the eye, and even nausea and vomiting caused by the pain.
Sadly, there is no absolute cure for glaucoma, nor can the damaged vision could be restored. However, doctors have suggested some treatment options for the condition, including oral medications, eye drops, or surgery. If caught early enough and treated appropriately, the damage could be prevented.
How does MIGS treatment help to cure the disease?
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery or MIGS is a treatment that is used to prevent or reduce damage to the optic nerve without as many complications and is achieved through a more confined procedure. Such procedures are done with lasers or by making microscopic-sized incisions using tiny instruments. MIGS are considered extremely safe, which could be broken down into the following methods-
- Redirecting excess fluid to lower pressure.
- Improving the eye’s drainage system to lower pressure.
- Decreasing the production of ocular fluid to lower pressure.
MIGS procedures involved a minimally invasive approach, often with minor cuts or micro-incisions through the cornea that causes the least amount of trauma to surrounding scleral and conjunctival tissues. MIGS procedures often reduce discomfort and lead to more rapid recovery periods.
