MIGS in Tuscaloosa, AL

Thanks to the multiple innovations in glaucoma treatment techniques in recent years, millions of people with glaucoma have an incredible number of new procedures for managing their disease. Many of these treatments fit into the category of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). At inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa, we are pleased to offer MIGS procedures and numerous other innovative laser therapies for our Tuscaloosa, AL patients. MIGS treatments use minuscule surgical incisions and devices to lessen internal eye pressure to avoid or delay more damage to the optic nerve. Thankfully, MIGS can be helpful at almost all stages of the disease. Contact our Tuscaloosa, AL practice to set up your MIGS assessment with our board-certified team.

MIGS is a fast and safe outpatient procedure that alleviates the internal eye pressure of glaucoma patients in Tuscaloosa, AL. The treatment offers a wide number of benefits when performed by our team at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa. These advantages include:

• Short treatment time
• A safer alternative to traditional glaucoma surgeries
• Effective results
• Recovery can be achieved within a week

After we have established that a patient is a great candidate for MIGS, we can discuss all of the available treatment options. Each of our MIGS procedures is performed using the most cutting-edge technologies and medical devices. Typically, MIGS is conducted as outpatient procedures taking around 10 – 20 minutes per eye. Since these techniques are minimally invasive, they involve less downtime than traditional glaucoma procedures. The majority of patients are able to resume work and their daily activities within a week. When the surgery is complete, we carefully discuss post-surgery guidelines to care for your eyes while they heal. In addition, we may require you to schedule several important follow-up visits so we can ensure a successful recovery.

No physician but an experienced ophthalmologist can determine whether or not you are eligible for MIGS or laser therapy. All the numerous types of glaucoma can have a range of stages of seriousness; therefore, each patient should have a customized treatment plan to manage his or her disease. The best patients eligible for MIGS:

• Are 18 years of age or older
• Are suffering from mild to moderate glaucoma
• Haven't lessened their internal eye pressure with eye drops
• Need to manage both glaucoma and cataracts
• Don't have a high risk of serious progression

Does MIGS hurt?

No, a MIGS procedure doesn't hurt. Before we begin, anesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes to numb them and keep you comfortable during the procedure. Most patients don't feel any type of discomfort at all, but some may feel slight pressure.

Is MIGS safer than traditional glaucoma surgeries?

MIGS is very safe and effective and doesn't carry some of the risks that traditional glaucoma surgeries do, like eye infection, cornea swelling, low intraocular pressure, exposure of a drainage shunt, or double vision.

How long does a MIGS procedure take?

A MIGS procedure is typically very quick, usually lasting about 30 – 45 minutes.

How long is recovery after MIGS?

Most patients will be able to get back to their normal routine within a week but should still take extra precautions while driving. At four weeks after the MIGS procedure, a checkup is typically scheduled to monitor your healing progress and check for complications.

Up until recently, patients experiencing advanced glaucoma had only one choice for treatment. Thankfully, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and laser surgeries now enable eye surgeons to perform multiple types of treatments to help Tuscaloosa, AL patients control their glaucoma. Reach out to inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa to schedule a MIGS consultation with a glaucoma specialist to safely and quickly get your condition under control.