All About MIGS: The Latest Option for Managing Glaucoma
All About MIGS: The Latest Option for Managing Glaucoma
We’re used to technology getting smaller. The chips that power smartphones in our pockets are now so tiny they can only be seen under a microscope. That same trend is reshaping modern eye care. Over the past decade, ophthalmologists have begun using microscopic surgical devices—some about a millimeter wide—to help manage glaucoma.
This approach is called minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). For people with mild to moderate disease, MIGS is a less invasive option for preserving vision.
At the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, glaucoma specialists use MIGS as a key component of a personalized treatment plan designed to support each patient’s unique needs.
How Does Glaucoma Impact Vision?
Glaucoma is not a single condition but a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which sends visual information from the eye to the brain.
In many glaucoma cases, the eye continues to make fluid but cannot drain it efficiently. As fluid builds up, pressure inside the eye increases, and over time, that pressure damages the optic nerve.
“Once optic nerve damage occurs and vision is affected, we unfortunately can’t reverse it,” explains Roya Garakani, DO, a glaucoma specialist at the Moran Eye Center. “This is exactly why catching the disease early, lowering eye pressure, and keeping it controlled is so vital to protecting your sight.”
Because glaucoma often develops slowly and without obvious early symptoms, regular eye exams play a critical role in early detection.
How Does MIGS Work?
Glaucoma can be treated in several ways depending on the type and severity of the disease. Moran specialists help patients manage glaucoma successfully with:
- Prescription eye drops
- Laser treatments
- Traditional glaucoma surgery
MIGS refers to a group of newer procedures in which a surgeon uses smaller incisions to augment how fluid drains from inside the eye. At Moran, regular research is conducted to evaluate new devices entering the field.
Compared with traditional glaucoma surgery, MIGS procedures also typically preserve more eye tissue and allow many patients to recover more quickly.
“MIGS gives us an invaluable tool for managing glaucoma,” Garakani says. “It’s part of a more modern approach to glaucoma care, as research now shows us that earlier surgical intervention often preserves more vision.”
Surgeons often perform MIGS at the same time as cataract surgery, allowing patients to address both conditions during one procedure. Some types of MIGS surgeries can also be performed as a stand-alone option.
Who May Benefit From MIGS?
Since the first MIGS device received FDA approval in 2012, multiple devices and techniques have been developed. This progress has given ophthalmologists the flexibility to match procedures to a patient’s eye anatomy and glaucoma type.
“MIGS isn’t the right choice for everyone,” Garakani says. “Our goal is always to choose the treatment that offers the best long-term outcome for the individual patient.”
Your ophthalmologist may discuss MIGS with you if you:
- Have mild to moderate glaucoma
- Need better control of eye pressure
- Find it difficult to use eye drops consistently
- Are planning cataract surgery
Your doctor will thoroughly evaluate your eye health, glaucoma type, and long-term vision goals before recommending the ideal procedure.
Questions to Ask Your Eye Doctor
If you’re exploring glaucoma treatment options, consider asking:
- Am I a candidate for MIGS?
- How does MIGS compare with my current treatment plan?
- Will I still need eye drops after surgery?
- How will my glaucoma be monitored over time?
Comprehensive Glaucoma Care at Moran Eye Center
Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but early diagnosis and personalized treatment can effectively slow vision loss. Moran specialists provide a full spectrum of glaucoma care—from medications and laser therapy to MIGS and advanced surgery.
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are struggling to control eye pressure, we invite you to schedule an appointment with a glaucoma specialist at the Moran Eye Center to learn which treatment options may be right for you.
