By Dr. Philip Garza
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. As the internal pressure of the eye increases, it can go unnoticed as it slowly damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. This is why glaucoma is often referred to as a “silent thief of sight” and can be so dangerous. Those patients whose glaucoma is detected early are usually able to retain functional vision and lead essentially normal lives by managing their eye pressures, traditionally through the use of medicated eye drops. However, drops are not always effective, tolerable, or convenient for patients. For these patients, minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery, also known as MIGS, can be a great option.
Glaucoma begins most often due to an increase in eye pressure due to a decreased ability of aqueous humor, the eye’s pressurization fluid, to exit the eye through its natural drain structure. In a healthy eye, eye pressure is regulated by drainage of fluid through Schlemm’s Canal, which is a circular structure that rings the iris (the colored part of the eye. However, when Schlemm’s Canal is not working properly, eye pressure will increase and slowly cause eyesight loss through damage to the optic nerve.
Minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) aims to lower eye pressure by increasing the outflow of fluid through Schlemm’s Canal through the use of bypass stents, by dilating Schlemm’s Canal, or even by lowering production of pressurization fluid. As the name would suggest, MIGS is designed to be as minimally invasive or non-intrusive as possible, enabling a speedy recovery, similar to or faster than routine cataract surgery.
As MIGS technology has advanced, patients have seen a reduction in eye pressures by up to 20% or more. For many, this has led to a significantly reduced reliance on pressure-reducing eye drops. In fact, many patients who undergo MIGS procedures, such as iStent implantation, are able to remain completely glaucoma drop free for at least several years after the procedure.
MIGS is most often recommended for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, but MIGS techniques such as the OMNI procedure can be performed even in patients with advanced glaucoma. MIGS is especially helpful for patients who are unable to use eye drops or who have found eye drops to be unsuccessful in reducing their eye pressure.
Depending on your specific type and stage of glaucoma, your Thomas Eye Group eye surgeon will be able to recommend the specific MIGS procedure that is right for you. MIGS procedures are often performed in combination with cataract surgery, but most can also be performed independently of cataract surgery—keeping options open for those without cataracts or who have already had their cataracts removed.
Glaucoma can be a debilitating and frustrating health concern. Fortunately, Thomas Eye Group has three glaucoma specialists, Dr. Mark Berman, Dr. Philip Garza, and Dr. Dana Wallace, with years of experience in the full range of glaucoma procedures and access to the latest technology. Our specialists can assist you in choosing the right MIGS procedure so you can take control of your glaucoma. To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, schedule an appointment through the button below or call 678.892.2020 today.
Dr. Philip Garza is a board-certified, fellowship-trained glaucoma and cataract surgeon. He specializes in the marriage of modern glaucoma surgery with advanced technology cataract surgery. He offers complete medical and surgical care for glaucoma and performs the full range of glaucoma surgery techniques, from glaucoma laser procedures and state-of-the-art minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques to traditional procedures like tube-shunt surgery and trabeculectomy.
