Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS, has become a modern approach for managing mild to moderate glaucoma. At the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, specialists use these microscopic surgical devices to help preserve vision through more personalized treatment plans.
MIGS involves the use of small incisions to augment how fluid drains from inside the eye. Compared to traditional glaucoma surgery, MIGS procedures typically allow for quicker patient recovery and preserve more eye tissue. Surgeons may perform these procedures as a stand-alone option or at the same time as cataract surgery.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve when fluid cannot drain efficiently, causing increased pressure inside the eye. Because optic nerve damage is irreversible, specialists emphasize the importance of early detection and pressure control. Roya Garakani, DO, a glaucoma specialist at the Moran Eye Center, stated that earlier surgical intervention often preserves more vision.
The use of MIGS has grown since the first device received FDA approval in 2012, providing ophthalmologists with more flexibility to match procedures to a patient's specific eye anatomy and glaucoma type. Potential candidates for MIGS include individuals with mild to moderate glaucoma who need better pressure control, those who find eye drops difficult to use consistently, or those planning cataract surgery.
The Moran Eye Center provides a full spectrum of glaucoma care, including medications, laser therapy, MIGS, and advanced surgery. Specialists recommend regular eye exams because glaucoma often develops slowly without obvious early symptoms.
