What Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)?

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to reduce or prevent damage to the optic nerve. Instead of relying only on traditional glaucoma surgeries, which are considered major operations, MIGS procedures have increasingly been used in recent years to help decrease some of the complications associated with conventional glaucoma surgery.

MIGS uses very small incisions and microscopic instruments. Because these procedures are less invasive, they generally lead to fewer complications. The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex in Saudi Arabia is considered one of the leading centers in this field, thanks to its highly experienced medical team and its advanced, state‑of‑the‑art technology.

Read also: Information on Protecting Your Eyes from UV Radiation  

The Purpose of Glaucoma Surgery

The goal of glaucoma surgery, including MIGS, is to lower eye pressure. This is done either by improving the outflow of the aqueous fluid inside the eye or by reducing how much fluid the eye produces. When a patient is first diagnosed with glaucoma, the ophthalmologist usually starts with other options, such as prescription eye drops.

If glaucoma progresses to a certain stage, does not respond adequately to treatment, or if the patient needs a more long‑term solution, glaucoma surgery may be recommended. However, traditional surgery can require a relatively long recovery period.

Read also: Orthokeratology for the Eyes | Everything You Need to Know  

Benefits of MIGS

Using highly precise surgical instruments lowers the chances of poor healing. In addition to effectively reducing eye pressure and slowing optic nerve damage, these procedures offer important advantages for many patients, including faster recovery times and less trauma to the delicate tissues of the eye.

Types of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

There are several MIGS techniques and procedures that can be used to treat glaucoma, for example by enhancing fluid drainage through different pathways or implanting tiny devices to maintain better pressure control.

Read also: Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain Symptoms  

Why Was MIGS Developed?

Traditional glaucoma surgeries are effective, but they carry a number of potential risks, including eye infections, double vision, exposure or failure of drainage implants, excessively low eye pressure (hypotony), and corneal swelling. For this reason, it is advisable to visit the Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah, which offers safer and more advanced glaucoma treatment options.

Read also: How to Detect and Prevent Cataracts  

Who Is a Good Candidate for MIGS?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for MIGS. Patients with early‑stage glaucoma or ocular hypertension (elevated eye pressure) who have not responded well to laser treatments or prescription eye drops may be good candidates. Patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, as well as those who have other health issues that increase the risks associated with traditional glaucoma surgery, may also benefit from MIGS.

MIGS can be a good option for younger patients as well. Even if a patient undergoes MIGS, traditional glaucoma surgery can still be performed later if needed. When deciding whether someone is a suitable candidate, it is essential to consider their full medical history and lifestyle.

The Eye Center at Batal Specialized Complex will help determine whether MIGS is appropriate for a given patient and work to minimize side effects such as inflammation and to prevent infection.

Read also: What Can LASIK Correct?