Before, During, and After Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma and your eye drops aren’t lowering your eye pressure enough, your doctor may recommend Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). It’s a modern approach to glaucoma treatment designed to improve fluid drainage, reduce eye pressure, and help protect your vision, often with a shorter recovery time than traditional glaucoma surgeries. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

At Southside Eye Care, our goal is to help you maintain and achieve your best possible vision through personalized, patient-centered care. With experienced, board-certified ophthalmologists like Dr. Michael R. Keverline and Dr. Ian Uber, you can feel confident knowing your procedure is guided by a skilled team focused on your individual needs.

Before MIGS Surgery

First, your ophthalmologist will check your eye pressure, evaluate the drainage angle in your eye, and confirm whether MIGS is the right option for your glaucoma type and stage. MIGS is often recommended for mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, and it’s commonly performed at the same time as cataract surgery.

Before the procedure, you’ll receive pre-op instructions, which may include adjusting certain medications and arranging a ride home. You may also be prescribed antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to use before surgery.

During MIGS Surgery

MIGS procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting and usually take less than an hour. Most patients receive numbing eye drops and mild sedation to stay comfortable. During the surgery, your doctor uses tiny instruments to create a new drainage pathway or place a micro-stent inside the eye. This allows fluid to drain more easily, helping reduce pressure.

Because MIGS is minimally invasive, it requires smaller incisions and causes less tissue disruption than traditional glaucoma surgery.

Recovery and Results

After the procedure, you’ll spend a short time in recovery before going home the same day. It’s normal to experience mild irritation, blurry vision, or redness for a few days.

Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, although you may need to avoid rubbing your eyes, heavy lifting, or swimming for a short period. While MIGS can significantly lower eye pressure, some patients still need glaucoma drops afterward, but often fewer than before.

Get Relief from Glaucoma Symptoms with Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in Chesapeake, VA

If you’re considering MIGS, call us at 757-484-0101 to schedule a consultation that can help determine the best treatment for your eye health and long-term vision protection.