Preventing Blindness with Early Cataract Surgery and Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in Patients Over 50: Guidance for Patients, Physicians and World Governments in Dealing with Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To offer clinical guidance and address safety and efficacy concerns regarding the growing use of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) as an initial treatment for glaucoma in adult patients. DESIGN: Narrative literature review. METHODS: A review was conducted to assess outcomes and complications of MIGS in the treatment of glaucoma, both alone and in combination with lens replacement. These outcomes were compared with those of standard glaucoma surgery and/or glaucoma management with medication. RESULTS: MIGS are effective at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) over long periods of follow-up. These techniques share a similarly high safety profile between one another. MIGS were found to have lower complication rates and to be more effective in reducing the total amount of medication needed to maintain control of intraocular pressure than standard surgery approaches. CONCLUSION: MIGS techniques are growing in popularity and have been demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative to standard glaucoma surgery. Guidance in the implementation of these procedures has been outlined.