What are MIGS Procedures?
April 16, 2024
In the past, the primary treatment options for glaucoma were medications like prescription eye drops or invasive surgeries. While these treatments could be effective for many people, they also could have uncomfortable side effects or long recovery times.
As ocular technology has advanced, eye doctors and surgeons have looked for new ways to treat glaucoma that are less invasive, with fewer risks and potential complications. One of the most promising innovations has been the development of MIGS procedures to treat glaucoma.
Keep reading to learn about glaucoma MIGS procedures!
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma often occurs due to high eye pressure when there is too much fluid in your eye, called aqueous humor. This can be because the fluid is not draining correctly or too much fluid is being created.
As the pressure increases within your eye, it causes damage to the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. In the beginning stages, glaucoma often does not present many noticeable symptoms.
Because of this, people are often unaware they have glaucoma until their vision has been affected in some way. The earliest signs of glaucoma include impaired peripheral vision, blurred vision, halos around lights, and difficulty adjusting to low light.
Types of Glaucoma
The most frequently diagnosed type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma. Another important type of glaucoma to know about is angle-closure glaucoma, which is sometimes known as closed-angle glaucoma.
Unlike primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly, angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly. Also, unlike open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma can cause many abrupt symptoms, such as severe eye pain, sudden impaired vision, headaches, and nausea.
If you experience the sudden onset of angle-closure glaucoma, you should immediately seek medical attention to prevent vision loss. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss, from blind spots in your field of vision to complete blindness.
The main goal of treatments for glaucoma is the reduction of pressure within the eye and the prevention of further vision damage. While an eye doctor may try non-surgical treatments, like prescription eye drops or oral medications, in some cases, MIGS procedures can be highly effective.
What are MIGS Procedures?
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, or MIGS, is a group of glaucoma surgeries that aim to lower pressure within the eye. They are less invasive than more traditional glaucoma surgeries, which can effectively reduce pressure but carry the risk of a high number of complications.
MIGS procedures were first developed in the early 2000s as alternatives to other glaucoma surgeries. A MIGS procedure uses microscopic-sized instruments and tiny incisions to cause less of an impact on the structures of the eye and reduce the risk of complications.
While MIGS procedures are often described using very technical terms, they aim to do the same thing as all glaucoma treatments: reduce pressure within the eye. They have proven to be very effective, particularly for early-stage glaucoma.
What to Expect During and After a MIGS Procedure
Most MIGS procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and do not require an overnight hospital stay. The first step in a MIGS procedure is applying local anesthesia to numb your eyes.
This is to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The eye surgeon then performs the MIGS procedure, which will differ depending on which procedure you have. 
Most of these procedures are completed very quickly, taking approximately five to ten minutes per eye. Depending on the individual needs of a patient, MIGS are sometimes done at the same time as cataract surgery.
If both of these eye conditions have impaired your vision, there are several advantages to combining treatments, including:
- The convenience of a single surgery
- The need for only a single incision for both procedures
- Reduction of eye pressure that can be a temporary side effect of cataract surgery
- Reduced medical costs
Recovery from a MIGS procedure is much quicker than other glaucoma surgeries, with full recovery taking approximately two to four weeks. After the procedure, you will need to use prescription eye drops to treat any swelling or inflammation that might occur.
The most common complications following a MIGS procedure are increased eye pressure, very low eye pressure, bleeding inside the eye, and, very rarely, eye infections. All of these complications are considered minor and either go away on their own or can be effectively treated.
Are MIGS Procedures as Effective as Other Glaucoma Treatments?
MIGS procedures are often most effective for people in the early stages of glaucoma. Some people may still need to use prescription eye drops or oral medications to control eye pressure after a MIGS procedure.
It may not be the best treatment option for individuals with more advanced glaucoma. If your vision has been affected by glaucoma, a MIGS procedure can offer you a less invasive way to prevent your eyesight from worsening.
These procedures can provide effective results with shorter recovery times and less risk of complications than more traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Do you want to learn more about MIGS procedures? Schedule an appointment at Chesapeake Eye Care in Annapolis or Easton, MD, today!