Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) in Arizona | Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center

What is MIGS?

Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a breakthrough in ophthalmology and one of the fastest-growing options for glaucoma patients in Arizona. Unlike traditional surgeries that require large incisions and long recovery times, MIGS uses microscopic tools and implants to gently lower eye pressure. The surgery success rate is strong, especially for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, and results can last for years with proper care. Across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and other Arizona communities, an increasing number of patients are turning to MIGS to preserve their vision while avoiding the risks associated with older procedures.

How MIGS Surgery Works

MIGS is not a single surgery but a group of minimally invasive procedures. Arizona ophthalmology specialists perform MIGS by using tiny devices or specialized tools to improve the eye’s natural drainage or reduce fluid production.

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Trabecular bypass procedures, such as the iStent or Hydrus Microstent, create tiny openings in the trabecular meshwork, thereby improving the rate of fluid drainage.
Canaloplasty uses a microcatheter to expand Schlemm’s canal, improving the eye’s natural outflow system.
Suprachoroidal procedures reroute fluid into the suprachoroidal space, creating a new drainage pathway.
Cyclophotocoagulation techniques reduce the eye’s fluid production by targeting the ciliary body.

Most MIGS surgeries take less than an hour, and the results can last for years. In Arizona, these procedures are often combined with cataract surgery, enabling patients to experience both clearer vision and improved glaucoma control following a single operation.

Why Consider MIGS?

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of vision loss in Arizona’s aging population, and early treatment is key to protecting eyesight. MIGS offers an advanced, minimally invasive surgery option with a high safety profile. Many ophthalmologists in Arizona recommend MIGS because the complication rate is much lower than with trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgeries. In contrast, the success rate in controlling eye pressure is excellent for the right patients. Choosing MIGS can mean fewer medications, quicker recovery, and long-lasting control of eye pressure — all critical factors for patients who want to stay active in Arizona’s sunny, outdoor lifestyle.

Insurance for MIGS Procedure

Coverage for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) can vary significantly. In Arizona, Medicare and most private insurers recognize MIGS as a covered procedure when it is deemed medically necessary. Some carriers choose to cover costs when used in conjunction with cataract surgery, while others reimburse as standalone procedures. Insurance policies differ by region and provider; patients in Arizona should verify pre-authorization requirements and out-of-pocket costs with both their ophthalmologist and their insurance company before scheduling surgery.

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Elevation and retina surgery what’s the connection? Senior woman with backpack looking out over a mountain landscape, illustrating safe return to outdoor activities after surgery

Are You a MIGS Candidate?

Not everyone with glaucoma is suited for MIGS. MIGS is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma who require moderate pressure reduction. It is also ideal for patients scheduled for cataract surgery, since combining the two procedures can improve outcomes and reduce overall recovery time. Arizona ophthalmology clinics often recommend MIGS for patients struggling with medication side effects or who want a safer, long-lasting alternative to major glaucoma surgery. An experienced glaucoma specialist can determine candidacy based on your eye health, pressure goals, and long-term vision needs.

Choosing The Right Ophthalmology Specialist

The long-term success of MIGS surgery depends on working with an experienced ophthalmology team. Barnet Dulaney Perkins in Arizona is home to many fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists who offer MIGS and other advanced treatments. When choosing a surgeon, patients should ask about:

The surgeon’s experience and MIGS success rate.
Which MIGS procedures are offered, and how long the results typically last.
Alternatives to MIGS include laser treatments and traditional glaucoma surgeries.

Selecting a trusted ophthalmologist ensures that patients receive safe, effective, and lasting care.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. MIGS surgery reduces the rate of glaucoma progression by lowering eye pressure, but it does not cure the disease. Patients in Arizona will still need regular eye exams and long-term monitoring.

Most MIGS devices are designed for indefinite longevity. Arizona ophthalmology clinics report that many patients experience lasting results for years; however, individual factors can influence long-term success.

Clinical studies and Arizona-based ophthalmologists report that MIGS has a high success rate for selected patients, especially when combined with cataract surgery. It provides safe, lasting pressure reduction with a lower complication rate compared to traditional surgeries.

Laser trabeculoplasty offers a non-invasive treatment option that many patients choose early in their glaucoma management. If eye drops and laser treatments do not yield sufficient results, or if a patient has cataract surgery scheduled, they can consider Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) as a valuable next step. In Arizona, many patients find that combining these approaches improves their long-term outcomes.