Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
The Modern Approach to Glaucoma Care
The Modern Approach to Glaucoma Care
At Eye Consultants of Kentucky, with offices in Lexington, KY, and Frankfort, KY, we understand the importance of effective glaucoma treatment that ensures your long-term eye health. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) represents a significant advancement in managing glaucoma, with a focus on reducing or preventing optic nerve damage by lowering eye pressure.
Traditional glaucoma surgeries, while effective, come with certain risks and a more invasive nature. In contrast, MIGS procedures are designed to minimize complications and improve overall safety. This approach employs tiny incisions and micro-sized equipment, offering a delicate balance between effectiveness and safety.
The Purpose of Glaucoma Surgery
The primary goal of any glaucoma surgery, including MIGS, is to reduce intraocular pressure, which helps improve fluid balance within the eye and lowers the risk of optic nerve damage. When glaucoma reaches a certain stage or doesn’t respond to other treatments like prescription eye drops, surgery becomes a viable option. Traditional glaucoma surgery, while effective, often involves a longer recovery period and more invasiveness.
Benefits of MIGS
MIGS leverages modern technology to offer less invasive procedures with a shorter recovery period, reducing the chances of complications. These surgeries effectively lower intraocular pressure, slow optic nerve damage, and provide patients with rapid recovery, minimizing trauma to eye tissues. MIGS procedures boast excellent safety records.
Why Were MIGS Developed?
Traditional glaucoma surgeries have been successful, but they come with inherent risks. These include eye infections, double vision, drainage implant issues, excessively low eye pressure, and corneal swelling. While the risks are relatively low, most eye surgeons recommend exploring other treatment options like laser treatments or medications before considering traditional surgery.
Who Is The Right Candidate for MIGS?
MIGS procedures are suitable for individuals with early-stage glaucoma or those with high eye pressure unresponsive to laser treatments or eye drops. Patients with moderate-to-severe glaucoma and underlying health conditions that increase the risks associated with traditional surgery can also benefit from MIGS. Younger patients may choose MIGS due to its shorter recovery time. It’s important to consider medical history and lifestyle when determining the right candidate for these procedures.
Preparing for MIGS
Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your eyes and help you determine the most suitable procedure. Once selected, your procedure will be scheduled, and you’ll receive pre-surgical guidelines.
What to Expect During the Procedure
MIGS is an outpatient procedure, and your eyes will be numbed with a local anesthetic. If combined with cataract surgery, the same incision used for the cataract procedure is utilized to place the MIGS device.
Risks Associated with MIGS
Each MIGS procedure carries its own set of risks, which your eye surgeon will thoroughly explain. However, these procedures are generally recommended due to their lower risk profile compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Recovery Time with MIGS
Recovery time following MIGS is shorter compared to traditional glaucoma procedures. However, if combined with other eye procedures like cataract surgery, recovery may take longer. Your ophthalmologist will provide personalized guidance based on your health and the specific procedure.
What to Expect after MIGS
Due to its minimally invasive nature, MIGS offers a swifter recovery compared to traditional surgery. Your eye doctor will provide post-treatment instructions, including care for your eyes at home and prescriptions to manage side effects such as inflammation and prevent infection. A follow-up visit will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
Protect Your Vision with Eye Consultants of Kentucky
Eye Consultants of Kentucky is dedicated to providing advanced, safe, and effective glaucoma treatments. If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment by calling (859) 263-3030. Your vision is our priority, and we’re here to ensure your eye health remains in the best possible hands.
