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MIGS relevant to cataract surgeons
CHICAGO — Microinvasive glaucoma surgery is an opportunity to establish glaucoma as a surgical disease, according to a speaker here.
“Why should you care about glaucoma surgery? Because MIGS is different. It is a chance to safely help your cataract patients who have glaucoma and present your skill set,” Reay H. Brown, MD, said at Cornea Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology, presenting.
Reay H. Brown
MIGS is a new way of thinking about glaucoma surgery, according to Brown.
Despite the popularity of eye drops for treatment of glaucoma, side effects can develop and there is recurring cost with long-term medical therapy.
When treating glaucoma patients, Brown urged surgeons to avoid patients with significant visual field loss and uncontrolled IOP because MIGS is not a replacement surgery for trabeculectomy or tube shunt.
Expectations should be realistic and achievable, and the surgeon be familiar with the technique, he said. Brown recommended that surgeons not perform MIGS if there are any concerns about cataract surgery or if the angle is not open.
“We are going to see new MIGS devices in the canal. We have the Hydrus (Ivantis) and the iStent (Glaukos). In the suprachoroidal space, we have the Cypass (Transcend Medical) and the iStent Supra (Glaukos), and we are going to have new options,” Brown said.
Disclosure: Brown is a consultant for Allergan, Ivantis and Transcend Medical and receives royalties from Rhein Medical and LifeSynch.