Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

MIGS procedures are designed to improve fluid drainage from the eye and lower intraocular pressure with less disruption to surrounding eye tissue than traditional glaucoma surgery.

What Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery?

For individuals living with glaucoma, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (often referred to as MIGS) can provide a gentler way to manage eye pressure and preserve long-term vision. MIGS is not a single procedure but rather a collection of advanced techniques aimed at improving the eye’s natural drainage pathways to lower intraocular pressure. These techniques may involve the use of microscopic stents, small surgical openings, or other innovative methods to enhance fluid drainage from the eye and reduce pressure.

MIGS is typically considered for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma when medications are either ineffective, difficult to tolerate, or challenging to use consistently.

A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation at M&M Eye Institute can help your doctor better understand your condition and recommend a treatment plan designed around your individual needs.

60-year-old man smiling while researching eye care options on a laptop in a warm home office, illustrating minimally invasive glaucoma surgery for M & M Eye Institute.

Who May Be A Candidate For MIGS?

Eye surgeon discussing MIGS with a 65-year-old patient during a consultation, illustrating minimally invasive glaucoma surgery at M & M Eye Institute.

Your eye doctor may discuss minimally invasive glaucoma surgery if you have glaucoma and need better control of intraocular pressure. MIGS is not right for every type or stage of glaucoma. More advanced glaucoma may require a different surgical approach.

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma
  • Use one or more glaucoma eye drops
  • Have trouble tolerating or remembering drops
  • Need lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve
  • Are planning cataract surgery and also have glaucoma
  • Want to understand options beyond daily medication

Find Out If MIGS Fits Your Glaucoma Treatment Plan

If glaucoma drops are hard to use, your eye pressure is not staying where it needs to be, or you are also preparing for cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may be worth discussing. A glaucoma evaluation can help your doctor review your eye pressure, optic nerve health, vision testing, and treatment history before recommending the safest next step.

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What to Expect from a Glaucoma Evaluation

Senior man receiving an eye pressure test with a handheld tonometer, illustrating minimally invasive glaucoma surgery evaluation at M & M Eye Institute.

Your M&M eye doctor will carefully evaluate your eye pressure, optic nerve health, vision, previous treatments, and individual needs before recommending your next step.

Your visit may include:

  • Eye pressure measurement
  • Optic nerve evaluation
  • Visual field testing
  • Glaucoma imaging
  • Medication review
  • Cataract evaluation when appropriate
  • Discussion of surgical options and risks

 

 

Benefits Of MIGS Treatment

For the right patient, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may offer several potential benefits.

These may include:

  • Lower eye pressure
  • A less invasive approach than traditional glaucoma surgery
  • Faster recovery for many patients
  • Fewer glaucoma drops for some patients
  • Option to combine with cataract surgery in selected cases
  • Long-term support for glaucoma control

MIGS does not cure glaucoma. You still need follow-up visits to monitor eye pressure, optic nerve health, and vision changes.

60-year-old woman smiling while shopping at an outdoor farmers market, illustrating active daily life after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery care at M & M Eye Institute.

FAQ: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS, is a group of glaucoma procedures that use tiny incisions, microscopic devices, or drainage techniques to help lower eye pressure.

No. MIGS procedures are generally less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgeries such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery. They may be used for selected patients with mild-to-moderate glaucoma.

Yes. Some MIGS procedures can be performed during cataract surgery in patients with both cataracts and glaucoma. Your surgeon can explain whether this combined approach is suitable for your eyes.

No. MIGS does not cure glaucoma or restore vision already lost from optic nerve damage. It may help lower eye pressure and support long-term glaucoma management.

Some patients may need fewer glaucoma drops after MIGS, but results vary. Your doctor will monitor your pressure and determine whether medication changes are appropriate.

Patients with certain types of glaucoma, advanced glaucoma, uncontrolled eye disease, or eye anatomy that does not support the procedure may need another treatment option.

All surgery has risks. MIGS is designed to be less invasive than many traditional glaucoma surgeries, but your doctor will review potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before recommending treatment.

M & M Eye Institute provides glaucoma evaluations and surgical care for patients in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and nearby Northern Arizona communities.

Protecting Your Vision Starts With An Eye Exam

The right treatment plan may help slow progression and protect from further vision loss. If you have glaucoma, cataracts, or trouble keeping up with daily eye drops, the team at M&M Eye Institute can help you understand whether MIGS or another glaucoma treatment option may be right for your eyes.

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