Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is an increase in the pressure within the eye caused by an imbalance in the production and drainage of the clear, watery fluid (aqueous humor) that fills the front portion of the eye. Normally, aqueous humor flows in and out of the eye to maintain a balanced pressure, but when the fluid doesn’t drain properly, IOP increases. Elevated IOP can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss and blindness, especially in the case of glaucoma.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a type of surgical procedure used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. MIGS procedures are designed to be less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries, and often have a shorter recovery time and fewer potential side effects.
Some common examples of MIGS include:
- Trabecular meshwork bypass by stent placement implant
- Trabecular meshwork bypass by tissue excision
- Enhancing aqueous outflow through Schlemm canal
- Enhancing aqueous outflow through the suprachoroidal space
- Reducing aqueous production through ablation of the ciliary body
It’s important to note that not all MIGS procedures are appropriate for every patient with glaucoma, and a thorough eye exam and discussion with an eye specialist is necessary to determine the best treatment option.
