Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) - Chinese

Glaucoma causes the optic nerve to be damaged due to elevated eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP). The only effective treatment for glaucoma is to lower the IOP.

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is able to drain the eye fluid through the use of tiny, microscopic tubes inserted underneath the outer membrane of the eye (conjunctiva), thereby reducing pressure on the optic nerve and solving the problem of glaucoma. 

Traditional Methods Have Many Complications

While traditional methods like a tabeculectomy are very effective at reducing eye pressure and halting the progression of glaucoma, they often have many potential complications. Such complications include: 

• Double vision 
• Eye infections
• Swelling of the cornea 
• Excessively low IOP 

While these risks are relatively infrequent, they make most surgeons want to delay glaucoma surgery until all other less invasive options are maximised (laser treatment and medication). This gives the opportunity for glaucoma to worsen in the patients.  

There are two such devices used in MIGS, namely Xen Gel Stent and PRESERFLO that have shown great results in lowering pressure with improved safety as compared to trabeculectomy in many studies. 

Benefits of MIGS

• High safety profile

MIGS carries a much lower risk of serious complications. 

• Minimal disruption to normal anatomy 

MIGS allows for enhanced fluid outflow without major alterations to the eye anatomy. 

• Effective in lowering intraocular eye pressure.

The level of IOP reduction is usually no less than 20%. 

• Helps to prevent the need for future medications

• Rapid recovery with minimal downtime.

Am I a good candidate for MIGS?

You will be a good candidate for MIGS if you:

• Have mild to moderate glaucoma 
• Are intolerant to or noncompliant with eyedrops
• Cannot control your IOP with eyedrops or laser trabeculoplasty