Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery is just as it sounds; a treatment used to prevent or reduce damage to the optic nerve without as many complications and achieved through a more confined procedure.

Such procedures are done with lasers or by making microscopic-sized incisions and using tiny instruments. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries are considered extremely safe, and can be broken down into the following methods:

  • Redirecting excess fluid to lower pressure
  • Improving the eye’s drainage system to lower pressure
  • Decreasing the production of ocular fluid to lower pressure

Southwest Eyecare is proud to offer various options for each of these methods, and invites you to schedule an exam today to see which is right for you!

Request an Evaluation

Should You Consider Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)?

If you're seeking glaucoma treatment, you must consider all your options with a highly qualified ophthalmologist you can trust. Everyone's eyes are different, and the correct solution for your eyes depends on many factors, including how advanced your glaucoma is.

Not too long ago, the only option to treat glaucoma was traditional surgery. While this can be effective in many cases, it also carries the risks of complications. Any surgery opens you up to the possibility of infection and scarring, and traditional glaucoma surgery can also have other risks. For instance, it can lead to double vision or lower pressure in the eye too much, creating a new set of problems.

New technology can reduce these risks by pinpointing specific problems, causing an increase in pressure. Surgeons can then target these problems with MIGS, using techniques that cause minimal tissue trauma and reduce your risk of complications.

It is possible that the MIGS procedure won't reduce enough of the pressure in the eye for those with advanced glaucoma. If this happens, you will have to follow up with traditional surgery. An ophthalmologist can help you weigh these pros and cons and help you choose the right approach.

If you do decide to go ahead with MIGS, here are two of the procedures we offer at Southwest Eyecare.

iStents


The FDA approved this technology in 2012, and it's designed for people with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma that is being treated with glaucoma eye drops. It's usually done at the same time as cataract surgery.

This procedure works by implanting a device that redirects ocular fluid away from the eye area that's been affected by glaucoma. It uses a tiny mesh stent, the smallest implant currently used in humans.

Surgeons precisely place this device where it can help the eye the most. Traditional glaucoma surgery bypasses the entire outflow system of the eye. iStents allow surgeons to use a much less invasive approach.

This technique has an excellent safety profile and has been shown to reduce the need for medication.

OMNI MIGS System


While the iStent is designed to address mild to moderate glaucoma, the OMNI system combines two MIGS procedures into one. This makes it a good choice for mild, moderate, or severe open-angle glaucoma. The iStent can be done with or without cataract surgery.

Using the OMNI 360 device, a specially trained surgeon can open up the eye's drainage system in multiple ways. Tissue that blocks fluid flow can be removed, and drainage canals can be widened, breaking down adhesions and blockages.

OMNI doesn't require an implant, and it reduces the need for medication. In some cases, patients no longer need glaucoma eye drops after surgery.

If you're wondering if you should choose one procedure over another, it may be helpful to visit our expert team at Southwest Eyecare in New Mexico. We are the only Ophthalmologists in the entire state with Bladeless Cataract Surgery!

Not only do we pride ourselves on our advanced technology but high-quality customer service as well.

Southwest Eyecare is proud to offer various options for each method and invites you to schedule an exam today to see which option is right for you!

 

Have questions or want more information?
Schedule an evaluation today or give us a call!


Southwest Eyecare
7110 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM
Phone: (505) 346-0500
Fax: (505) 346-0164

Request an Evaluation

Our Location

7110 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109

Get Directions