Can MIGS Reduce My Need for Glaucoma Drops?

20 Feb Can MIGS Reduce My Need for Glaucoma Drops?

For many patients living with glaucoma, daily eye drops are a routine part of life. While medications can be very effective at lowering eye pressure, they can also be inconvenient, expensive, and sometimes cause unwanted side effects.

If you’ve been wondering whether there’s a way to reduce your dependence on glaucoma drops, you may have heard about Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS).

At The Eye Professionals, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Can MIGS help me use fewer glaucoma drops?”

The answer for many patients is — yes, it can.

Why Are Glaucoma Drops Prescribed?

Glaucoma eye drops are designed to lower intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure inside your eye that can damage the optic nerve over time.

Depending on your condition, you may need:

• One drop once a day
• Multiple drops several times a day
• A combination of different medications

While effective, drops can sometimes cause:

• Eye redness or irritation
• Burning or stinging
• Dryness
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty remembering daily dosing
• Ongoing monthly medication costs

For some patients, maintaining consistent drop use becomes challenging.

What Is MIGS?

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a group of advanced procedures that lower eye pressure by improving the eye’s natural drainage system.

Unlike traditional glaucoma surgery, MIGS:

• Uses very small incisions
• Preserves natural eye tissue
• Has a lower risk profile
• Offers faster recovery
• Is often performed in an outpatient setting

MIGS can be done as a stand-alone procedure or combined with cataract surgery.

Can MIGS Reduce the Need for Glaucoma Drops?

Many patients who undergo MIGS experience:

✔ Reduced eye pressure
✔ Fewer required medications
✔ In some cases, elimination of drops

However, results vary depending on:

• The severity of your glaucoma
• Your target eye pressure
• The specific MIGS procedure performed
• How your eye responds to treatment

Some patients are able to stop drops entirely. Others may still need medication — but often fewer drops than before surgery.

Your doctor at The Eye Professionals will discuss realistic expectations based on your individual condition.

Is It Guaranteed That I’ll Stop My Drops?

No procedure can guarantee complete elimination of glaucoma medications.

The primary goal of MIGS is to lower eye pressure and protect your vision. Reducing medications is often a secondary benefit — and a meaningful one for many patients.

Even if drops are still needed after surgery, they may:

• Be required less frequently
• Be fewer in number
• Be easier to manage

MIGS Combined with Cataract Surgery

For patients already planning cataract surgery, combining MIGS with cataract removal can be especially beneficial.

This approach offers:

• One procedure
• One recovery period
• Clearer vision from cataract removal
• Improved pressure control
• Potential medication reduction

Many patients appreciate the efficiency of addressing both conditions at the same time.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate for MIGS if you:

• Have mild to moderate glaucoma
• Struggle with medication side effects
• Have difficulty keeping up with daily drops
• Want better pressure control
• Are undergoing cataract surgery

A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation is the best way to determine whether MIGS is right for you.

The Bigger Picture: Protecting Your Vision

It’s important to remember that glaucoma is a lifelong condition. While MIGS can reduce the need for drops for many patients, ongoing monitoring is still essential.

The ultimate goal is preserving your sight — safely and effectively.

At The Eye Professionals, we work closely with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan that balances safety, convenience, and long-term eye health.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are tired of daily glaucoma drops or wondering whether you’re a candidate for MIGS, we invite you to schedule a consultation at The Eye Professionals.

Together, we can explore whether minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may help simplify your treatment plan while protecting your vision for years to come.

📞 Contact The Eye Professionals today to schedule your evaluation.