How Do I Know if I am a Candidate for MIGS?

Glaucoma is one of the most potentially serious ocular conditions around the globe, accounting for the world’s second-leading cause of blindness. Part of its danger is its tendency to creep up on patients imperceptibly, causing no apparent signs. Once a patient notices glaucoma symptoms, irreparable damage may have already transpired. This imperceptibility is why glaucoma has been termed “the silent thief of sight.”

Yet, you don’t have to settle for vision loss in Napa, CA, because the many medical innovations of the past years have provided multiple effective treatment options. Especially MIGS, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Early detection and action can give you an optimal outcome, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley to help preserve your sight.

What is MIGS?

MIGS is an advanced treatment process that can dramatically reduce glaucoma’s primary mode of action: increased pressure within the eye. This excess pressure is typically caused by fluid buildup. Fluid must flow through the eye to keep the tissues healthy, but sometimes the distribution system (the trabecular meshwork) becomes blocked.

In such cases, the intraocular pressure rises higher and higher, damaging the various structures, including the blood vessels and optic nerve. The optic nerve is indispensable, as it sends signals from the eyes to the brain, but sadly, it cannot regenerate once damaged.

Glaucoma isn’t a single disorder but encompasses multiple conditions that attack the optic nerve. Similarly, MIGS also encompasses various related procedures that reduce intraocular pressure – by making a small laser-based incision, for example.

Your MIGS procedure depends on numerous aspects and will be personalized for you. Yet the minimally invasive process generally causes no significant discomfort, as it’s done using local anesthetic. It may also be quick, with some procedures lasting only about ten minutes. Additionally, you won’t suffer much downtime, and many patients can resume daily activities within 2 – 5 days.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for MIGS?

Whether or not you’re a good candidate for MIGS depends on diverse criteria, and the only way to be certain is to seek a consultation with our experienced ophthalmologists. We’ve treated many patients, helping them stave off the effects of glaucoma and maintain as much of their visual acuity and ocular health as possible. And we’d love to do the same for you, weighing all relevant factors to develop a treatment plan for your unique needs.

However, numerous aspects may make you a good MIGS candidate. For example, if you have mild or moderate glaucoma, are over 18 years old, and aren’t considered at serious risk of severe progression. MIGS is also an excellent option for those who can’t control their intraocular pressure through other means, such as eye drops, or for individuals with both glaucoma and cataracts.

Don’t give glaucoma a chance to steal your sight

The best way to strike back against “the silent thief of sight” is to detect it as early as possible. Since there are no obvious symptoms in its formative stages, an eye exam at Precision Surgery Center of Napa Valley is crucial for your long-term ocular wellness and visual acuity.

And through our various advanced treatment options, including MIGS, we can reduce intraocular pressure and alleviate the damaging effects of glaucoma. So, contact us today to learn more and preserve your vision and eye health in Napa, CA.