Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

When intraocular pressure cannot be controlled with medications or laser alone, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) with or without cataract extraction may be recommended to you. MIGS can reduce or eliminate the need to continue using glaucoma medications in mild to moderate cases.

iStent

iStent is a microscopic stent implanted at the time of cataract surgery into the drain of the eye to create a permanent tunnel for fluid outflow. It helps decrease intraocular pressure and treat vision loss related to glaucoma. Because the iStent is extremely small and implanted inside the eye, patients cannot see or feel it.

Hydrus

Hydrus implantation involves the placement of an 8mm implant through the trabecular meshwork and into Schlemm’s canal to decrease intraocular pressure by stenting open the canal and bypassing the trabecular meshwork.

Canaloplasty

Canaloplasty uses a microcatheter or tube placed in the Canal of Schlemm (the natural drainage site for healthy eyes) to enlarge the drainage canal, relieving pressure inside the eye. Studies have been published demonstrating long-term efficacy and safety. A common device used for canaloplasty is the Omni device.

Goniotomy:

The Kahook Dual blade is designed to carefully excise a strip of the trabecular meshwork (drain of the eye). It helps decrease intraocular pressure and treat vision loss related to glaucoma. Goniotomy can be performed during cataract surgery or as a stand-alone procedure.

 Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculectomy (GATT):

GATT is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery that modifies the trabeculectomy, a surgery that has been around for over 50 years. It involved cannulating Schlemm’s canal 360 degrees and unroofing Schlemm’s canal, leading to decreased intraocular pressure.

Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP)

ECP is a laser procedure performed during cataract surgery to reduce the amount of fluid formation in the eye. It helps decrease intraocular pressure and treat vision loss related to glaucoma. The laser is painless and very effective.