Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): What Wichita Falls Patients Need To Know About Micro-Stents

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure. Because vision loss from glaucoma is usually permanent, early diagnosis and consistent treatment are important. At North Texas Ophthalmology Associates, we help Wichita Falls patients understand their options for managing glaucoma and protecting long-term vision.

What Is MIGS?

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery uses advanced techniques and tiny devices to help lower eye pressure with less disruption to the eye than traditional glaucoma surgery. MIGS procedures are often performed for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma, especially when they are also having cataract surgery.

The goal of MIGS is to improve the eye’s natural drainage pathway so fluid can leave the eye more efficiently. When fluid drains better, intraocular pressure may decrease, which can help slow glaucoma progression.

How Micro-Stents Work

Micro-stents are very small implants placed inside the eye to support fluid drainage. At our Wichita Falls practice, options may include the iStent inject and the Hydrus Microstent. These devices are designed to help lower eye pressure and may reduce a patient’s dependence on glaucoma eye drops.

MIGS with micro-stents is commonly performed at the time of cataract surgery. This allows our team to address cataracts and glaucoma during one procedure when appropriate. While MIGS does not cure glaucoma, it can be a helpful part of a long-term treatment plan.

Who May Be A Candidate For MIGS?

Not every glaucoma patient needs surgery, and not every patient is a candidate for a micro-stent. A complete glaucoma evaluation helps us determine which treatment is right for each person.

MIGS may be considered for Wichita Falls patients who:
 

•          Have mild to moderate glaucoma
 

•          Are scheduled for cataract surgery
 

•          Need better eye pressure control
 

•          Want to reduce reliance on glaucoma eye drops
 

•          Have been advised that laser or medication alone may not be enough

What To Expect From Glaucoma Care

Before recommending MIGS, our doctors review your eye pressure, optic nerve health, visual field testing, medication history, and overall eye health. If a micro-stent is a good fit, we will explain how the procedure works, what to expect during recovery, and how follow-up visits help us monitor your progress.

Schedule a consultation at North Texas Ophthalmology Associates to learn more about glaucoma surgery and whether MIGS is right for you. Request An Appointment, or call (940) 240-8400 to book an appointment.