How Do MIGS Procedures For Glaucoma Work?
If you know anything about glaucoma, then you likely know just how devastating and scary it can be. It ravages eyesight with no warning, and it has no cure once it begins.
Any damage it causes is permanent. If left untreated, it will eventually lead to total vision loss.
Fortunately, there are ways to slow or even halt the progress of glaucoma’s effects on your vision. Keep reading to learn about MIGS procedures and how they work to limit glaucoma damage.
How Does Glaucoma Attack Your Eyesight?
Glaucoma results from eye pressure also called intraocular pressure or IOP, building. Eventually, it can get so high it damages your optic nerve.
The optic nerve connects your eye and your brain, making it crucial for sight. Like many other body parts, the eye constantly has fluid cycling through it.
This fluid carries essential nutrients to your eyes and keeps them hydrated. But, the fluid can build up if your eye’s drainage network becomes blocked.
This buildup can result in mounting IOP. Everyone’s optic nerves are different and can withstand different amounts of pressure.
But, there is a healthy range that most eyes fall into. Optic nerve damage will likely occur if your IOP is above this healthy range. Your eye doctor will test your IOP during your routine eye exams.
If they detect that your IOP is outside the healthy range or has increased since your last visit, they will check you further for signs of glaucoma. If they determine you have glaucoma, they will begin a treatment regimen immediately to prevent vision loss.
Early diagnosis is the only way to save your vision if you have glaucoma. This diagnosis is why it is so important to schedule regular eye exams.
Can You Treat Glaucoma With Surgery?
Glaucoma is most commonly treated with eye drops. They reduce IOP, preventing further optic nerve damage.
They do this by relaxing the eye so fluid can pass through it or slowing eye fluid production. Certain eye drops can perform a combination of the two treatments.
Surgery may also help in some instances. But eye doctors tend to avoid major surgeries, as there could be a significant risk of complications or a long recovery.
That’s why minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, or MIGS, are a great alternative. They can significantly reduce IOP while avoiding the dangerous aspects of traditional procedures.
MIGS procedures utilize microscopic equipment to perform surgery on an incredibly tiny scale. Micro trabeculectomies, for example, insert small tubes, or stents, into the eye, allowing fluid to drain.
There is also a MIGS procedure that limits how much fluid can enter your eye. Even after glaucoma surgery, you may still need eyedrops to maintain your IOP.
Although, MIGS can help reduce your dependence on other glaucoma medications. Glaucoma surgery is best for patients who need a rapid reduction of IOP.
Kovach Eye Institute has a wide array of options to help you combat glaucoma. If you get diagnosed with glaucoma, don’t worry.
By taking proactive steps with your eye doctor, you can save your eyesight. Schedule an appointment at Kovach Eye Institute in Itasca, IL, to learn more!
