Our Summary
This research paper looks at the increasing trend of a type of eye surgery called microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which is used to treat glaucoma, a condition that can cause blindness. The researchers looked at how this trend is affecting the training of eye surgeons.
From 2013 to 2018, the number of MIGS performed nearly doubled. The researchers wanted to see how this increase was affecting the types of surgeries trainee eye surgeons were performing. They looked at data from 2014 to 2020 from glaucoma fellowship programs.
They found that trainee surgeons were performing more MIGS each year, but the number of other types of glaucoma surgeries they were performing (trabeculectomies and aqueous shunts) stayed about the same. This means that the increase in MIGS surgeries wasn’t causing a decrease in the other types of surgeries.
In other words, the researchers found that the growing popularity of MIGS isn’t pushing out other types of glaucoma surgeries in the training of new surgeons, but rather adding to their overall surgical experience.
FAQs
- What is the trend in the number of microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) performed from 2013 to 2018?
- How is the increasing trend of MIGS affecting the training of new eye surgeons?
- Has the increasing popularity of MIGS caused a decrease in other types of glaucoma surgeries performed by trainee surgeons?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about glaucoma surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your doctor. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your healthcare provider promptly.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended glaucoma surgery are those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma and are not responding well to medication or other non-surgical treatments. These patients may have advanced glaucoma that is causing significant vision loss or damage to the optic nerve. Additionally, patients who are unable to tolerate glaucoma medications due to side effects or who have difficulty adhering to medication regimens may also be recommended for surgery.
It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their ophthalmologist to determine if glaucoma surgery is the best option for them. The decision to undergo glaucoma surgery should be made based on the severity of the condition, the potential risks and benefits of surgery, and the patient’s overall health and lifestyle factors.
Timeline
Before glaucoma surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of eye exams and tests to determine the severity of their condition and the best course of treatment. They may also be prescribed medications to help manage their intraocular pressure.
During glaucoma surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia to numb the eye and prevent discomfort. The surgeon will then perform the procedure, which may involve creating a new drainage channel in the eye or removing part of the eye’s trabecular meshwork to improve fluid outflow.
After glaucoma surgery, the patient will be monitored closely for any complications or side effects. They may need to use eye drops or other medications to help with healing and prevent infection. It may take several weeks for the patient to fully recover and see improvements in their vision.
Overall, glaucoma surgery can help lower intraocular pressure and slow the progression of the disease, ultimately preserving the patient’s vision and quality of life.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the risks and potential complications of glaucoma surgery?
- What are the success rates of glaucoma surgery for my specific type and stage of glaucoma?
- What is the recovery process like after glaucoma surgery?
- Will I still need to use glaucoma eye drops after surgery?
- How long will the effects of the surgery last?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
- How experienced is the surgeon in performing glaucoma surgery?
- Can you explain the specific type of glaucoma surgery being recommended for me?
- How will my vision be affected after glaucoma surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after surgery to improve the outcome?
Reference
Authors: Nipp GE, Aref AA, Stinnett SS, Muir KW. Journal: Ophthalmol Glaucoma. 2023 Nov-Dec;6(6):651-656. doi: 10.1016/j.ogla.2023.06.006. Epub 2023 Jun 17. PMID: 37336267