Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in Baton Rouge, LA

As a result of the advancements in glaucoma treatment over the past few years, most patients diagnosed with glaucoma have a large selection of new methods to help manage their disease. This often includes minimally invasive glaucoma surgery or MIGS, which is actually a collection of procedures that utilize innovative techniques and technologies to alleviate abnormal eye pressure. This process helps to slow down the progression of glaucoma and further damage to the optical nerve. Since MIGS procedures are minimally invasive, this means fewer complications and faster recovery times compared to traditional glaucoma surgery. Contact Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA to schedule your MIGS consultation with our team today.

MIGS procedures offer a range of benefits that make them a great alternative to traditional glaucoma surgery. These include:

• Lower risk of complications: Because MIGS is considered minimally invasive, the risk of complications is much lower compared to traditional surgery.
• Quicker recovery: Many patients return to their everyday activities within a short period after undergoing MIGS.
• Better results: MIGS has been shown to be highly effective at controlling eye pressure and slowing down the progression of glaucoma.
• Less discomfort and fewer side effects: Most MIGS treatments are relatively pain-free. Patients generally experience minimal to no side effects afterward.

No one except a skilled ophthalmologist at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians can determine if a patient is a candidate for MIGS. A thorough consultation with a qualified professional is the best way to move forward. During this appointment, we can discuss medical history, current symptoms, and other factors that may influence our decision. While not everyone is suitable for MIGS surgery, it may be an option for individuals who are diagnosed with mild to moderate glaucoma and are unable to manage symptoms with prescription drops or other treatments.

At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, our team of highly trained ophthalmologists is excited to be able to perform MIGS procedures for our glaucoma patients. After we have established that someone is a good candidate for MIGS, we will explain all of their best options. Our team specializes in many MIGS treatments, each of which is conducted with the most advanced technologies and medical devices. The specific technique used will depend on the type and stage of your glaucoma. Generally, MIGS treatments are carried out on an outpatient basis and only take about 10 – 15 minutes to complete. Since these procedures are minimally invasive, the downtime is much shorter compared to traditional glaucoma surgery. Most patients can return to work and other daily activities within a few days. Our team will also provide post-op instructions and schedule follow-up exams.

Is MIGS glaucoma surgery safe?

Compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries like trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage devices, MIGS (micro-invasive glaucoma surgery) carries a much lower risk of complications such as double vision, eye infections, low IOP (intraocular pressure), cornea swelling, and exposure of a drainage implant. The main advantage of the range of MIGS procedures is patient safety. MIGS doesn’t replace traditional surgeries, but it lowers the number of patients who will need more invasive surgery to treat their glaucoma.

How long does MIGS last?

According to the Review of Ophthalmology, if you’ve had your glaucoma controlled for five years with a MIGS treatment and then go on to have a traditional trabeculectomy, you may go through the rest of your life without a significant loss of vision.

What is the best surgery for glaucoma?

There is no “best” surgery for glaucoma. During your examination at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA, Dr. Shalimar Small or Dr. Donald Peavy will talk to you about what option is best to treat your glaucoma. Treatments may include:

• MIGS
• Trabeculectomy
• Prescription eye drops
• Laser treatments
• Glaucoma implant surgery

What percentage of glaucoma patients go blind?

Today, with modern treatments like MIGS and trabeculectomies, going blind from glaucoma is rare. It is estimated that there are only 120,000 cases of blindness from the 2.3 million total glaucoma cases in the U.S. each year or about 5% of glaucoma patients.

Are you put to sleep for MIGS glaucoma surgery?

You will not be asleep (or put under anesthesia) for MIGS surgery. Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb your eyes to help prevent pain or discomfort. Most patients report only feeling a slight pressure during the procedure.

How long does MIGS glaucoma surgery take?

The various MIGS treatments are performed as an outpatient procedure and only take about 5 - 10 minutes for each eye. Most patients can return to work and their normal routine within a few days.

Up until a decade ago, patients who had aggressive glaucoma only had one option for treatment. Thankfully, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and advanced laser technology now enable ophthalmologists to offer multiple kinds of treatments to help patients manage their glaucoma. Get in touch with Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA to plan a MIGS evaluation with our team. We'll be happy to answer your questions and discuss all the benefits of MIGS.