Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery
Goal of treatment in glaucoma is the reduction of intraocular pressure which is the only proven strategy to maintain the integrity of the optic nerve. Until recently we approached the disease by escalating treatment modalities in terms of efficacy and invasiveness starting off with medical treatment (eyedrops) moving towards laser interventions (laser trabeculoplasty or SLT) and resorting to filtration surgery (trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery) should we be unable to keep the eye pressure under control. This traditional approach has been challenged by recent advancements in glaucoma surgery. We know that uncomplicated cataract surgery (phacoemulsification) can lower intraocular pressure on average by 2-3mmHg for a few years.
Cataract surgery can be combined with a variety of short add-on procedures collectively termed as minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). By doing so we get a few extra mmHg in pressure reduction without affecting the speed of visual recovery that modern cataract surgery currently offers and with a significant margin of safety with these combined procedures.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is ideal for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma who require a modest reduction in intraocular pressure or wish to decrease their medication burden at the time of cataract surgery.
Our physicians participate in the development of such procedures since 2008 and lecture on a national and intranational level. You can watch a brief introductory video about one of the above surgical techniques following this link.
Dr. Theodoros Filippopoulos, MD
Ophthalmic Surgeon