Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically progresses without warning or noticeable symptoms until significant, irreversible vision loss has occurred. Affecting millions worldwide, effective management is crucial to preserving sight.
Fortunately, the field of ophthalmology is undergoing a revolution, moving away from older, more invasive procedures toward safer, quicker alternatives. At LLH Hospital Abu Dhabi, we are proud to offer these Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) options, signaling a new era in compassionate, high-tech eye care.
Understanding the “Silent Thief”: Glaucoma Basics
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the crucial bundle of nerve fibers connecting the eye to the brain. This damage is most often caused by abnormally high pressure inside your eye (Intraocular Pressure or IOP).
What Causes Glaucoma?
In most common forms of glaucoma (like Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma), the inner eye fluid (aqueous humor) does not drain properly. While the eye continues to produce fluid, the outflow channels get slowly clogged over time, leading to a dangerous buildup of pressure.
Common Symptoms of Glaucoma
The reason glaucoma is so dangerous is that early-stage symptoms are usually absent. By the time patients notice them, the damage is already severe:
- No early pain or discomfort.
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision—this is often missed until later stages.
- In very advanced cases, tunnel vision or eventual blindness.
The Evolution of Glaucoma Treatment
Traditionally, glaucoma treatment followed a stepped approach:
- Medicated Eye Drops: Used daily to lower IOP by reducing fluid production or increasing drainage. Compliance is a major challenge for many patients.
- Laser Procedures (e.g., SLT): Used to improve the natural drain.
- Traditional Surgery (e.g., Trabeculectomy): Effective for advanced disease, but more invasive and associated with longer recovery times and higher risks of complications.
The New Era: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
MIGS procedures have emerged to fill the gap between medications/laser and traditional surgery. They are designed to be safer, quicker, and require minimal tissue disruption, preserving the eye’s natural anatomy.
What Makes MIGS a Game-Changer?
| Feature | MIGS (New Era) | Traditional Surgery |
| Invasiveness | Minimal (micro-incisions) | Significant (requires full incision) |
| Safety Profile | High Safety, Low Risk of Severe Complications | Higher Risk of Post-Operative Issues |
| Recovery Time | Fast—Often days or weeks | Weeks to months |
| Medication Need | Often significantly reduced or eliminated | Variable |
| Cataract Surgery | Can be performed simultaneously (Combo Surgery) | Usually separate procedures |
Popular MIGS Procedures Available
MIGS works by inserting microscopic devices (stents) or using tiny instruments to target the clogged drainage channels, often performed through a small incision made during cataract surgery.
- Micro-Stents (e.g., iStent, Hydrus): These tiny implants are placed directly into the eye’s natural drain to bypass resistance and restore fluid outflow, effectively acting as microscopic shunts.
- Trabecular Bypass Procedures: Techniques that remove or bypass the clogged portion of the drainage system to enhance flow.
Expert Glaucoma Care at LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi
At LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi our commitment to comprehensive eye health means integrating the most advanced technology with expert medical judgment.
Comprehensive Glaucoma Management
Our experienced eye doctors and surgeons offer a full spectrum of care, ensuring a personalized treatment plan for every stage of the disease:
- Advanced Diagnostics: Utilizing state-of-the-art imaging like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and specialized visual field testing for the earliest possible detection of optic nerve damage.
- Personalized Treatment: Offering everything from medical therapy and laser treatments to the latest MIGS procedures and traditional surgery when necessary.
- Seamless Integration: For patients requiring both cataract surgery and glaucoma treatment, we frequently perform MIGS as a “combo procedure,” reducing the number of surgeries and accelerating recovery.
