Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

There are a variety of treatments available for people who suffer from glaucoma. In many cases glaucoma is managed by using drops every day, but there are situations when surgical options are indicated.

Over the last couple of years various techniques and technologies have been developed that can be used to help patients who suffer from glaucoma. There are various lasers in use by the eye surgeons at the Garden Route Eye Clinic, including MLT, SLT and and TLT.  The surgical options have become known as micro invasive glaucoma surgery.

The Eye Surgeons at Garden Route Eye Clinic use various types of MIGS (Micro Invasive Glaucoma Surgery), including PreserFlo, XEN and iStent Implantations.

The iSTENT procedure:

iStent is the only MIGS device that improves the flow of the eye’s fluid outflow into Schlemm’s canal (the natural outflow channel). It can safely lower eye pressure by creating a permanent opening in the trabecular meshwork. Proven safe and effective, the iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass:

• Is safely implanted during cataract surgery through the small corneal incision
• Spares important eye tissue that is often damaged by traditional surgeries
• Does not limit treatment options that could help maintain your vision in the future
  iStent is the smallest medical device ever approved by the FDA. It is placed in your eye during cataract surgery and is so small that you won’t be able to see or feel it after the procedure is over. iStent is designed to create a permanent opening in your trabecular meshwork, and works continuously to improve the outflow of fluid from your eyes to help control eye pressure.
  For patients with combined cataract and open-angle glaucoma, iStent reduces introcular pressure (IOP) by improving aqueous humor outflow.

Source: http://www.glaukos.com/istent

The PreserFlo Microshunt

The PreserFlo is composed of a material that is uniquely biologically inert and has been used in coronary stents.

The PreserFlo Ab-Externo MicroShunt is CE-marked in Europe. It is designed to reduce IOP while minimizing the risks of potential complications.

It is only 8.5 mm long and has an internal lumen of 70 micron.