At DiGaetano Cataract Services, we have been helping patients protect their vision and reclaim their peace of mind for more than 55 years. Our ophthalmologists combine deep surgical expertise with a genuine commitment to patient-centered care, taking the time to truly listen, explain your condition, and make sure you feel confident in every decision about your eye health.
Thanks to remarkable advances in eye surgery, many patients today can benefit from minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). These procedures are designed to lower dangerous eye pressure, protect your vision, and get you back to normal life quickly, safely, and with minimal discomfort.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which pressure builds up inside your eye and gradually damages the optic nerve, the pathway that carries visual signals to your brain. Because early glaucoma typically causes no pain and no obvious symptoms, many patients do not know they have it until significant vision loss has already occurred.
But when glaucoma is caught early and managed consistently, the vast majority of patients can preserve their sight throughout their lifetime.
What Are Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS)?
MIGS is a family of newer surgical approaches designed to lower eye pressure with far less risk, far smaller incisions, and far faster recovery than traditional glaucoma surgeries such as trabeculectomy or tube shunts.
Using microscopic instruments and, in some cases, tiny implants no larger than an eyelash, MIGS restore or enhance the eye’s natural ability to drain fluid, bringing intraocular pressure down to a safer level.
How MIGS Work
Most MIGS techniques work by either clearing a blockage from the eye’s existing drainage system or by creating a new micro-channel for fluid to flow through more freely. Because the incisions are so small, no stitches are needed, and the overall risk profile is significantly lower than older surgical approaches. In many cases, the same tiny incision used during cataract surgery can also be used for MIGS, allowing both procedures to be performed simultaneously in a single visit.
Key advantages of MIGS include:
- Short procedure time (typically 10 to 30 minutes)
- Same-day discharge: go home the day of your procedure
- Rapid return to daily activities, often within one to two days
- Potential to significantly reduce or eliminate glaucoma eye drops
Who Is a Good Candidate for MIGS?
MIGS procedures are best suited for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, particularly those who:
- Cannot achieve adequate pressure control with eye drops alone
- Find daily eye drop regimens difficult to manage due to cost, routine, or side effects
- Are already planning cataract surgery and want to treat both conditions at once
- Want to reduce their long-term dependence on glaucoma medications
Not every MIGS procedure is right for every patient. At DiGaetano Cataract Services, our ophthalmologists will take the time to examine your eyes thoroughly, review your complete history, and speak honestly with you about all your options before recommending any surgical approach.
Reach out today.
If you’re due for a routine eye exam or exploring advanced treatment options, our team is here to make the process simple and stress-free. We combine personalized care with modern technology to ensure you feel confident in your vision and your experience.
Your vision deserves expert care — Let’s take the next step together.
Contact UsWhat to Expect During Your MIGS Procedure
MIGS is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, so you can expect to be relaxed and comfortable throughout. The procedure typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and because the incisions are so small, no stitches are needed. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth and brief the experience is.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from MIGS is typically fast and uncomplicated. Most patients go home the same day and resume light activities within 24 to 48 hours. You will use prescription eye drops to support healing, and our team will see you for follow-up visits to track your eye pressure and confirm everything is progressing well.
Many patients notice meaningful reductions in eye pressure within weeks, and a significant number are able to reduce or discontinue their glaucoma medications under our guidance.
Why Patients Trust DiGaetano Cataract Services for Glaucoma Care
Since 1969, DiGaetano Cataract Services has been the trusted choice for eye care across Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, and throughout Volusia County. Here is what sets us apart:
- Over 55 years of ophthalmic expertise with thousands of successful procedures performed
- Truly compassionate, unhurried care where every patient is treated like family
- Clear communication so you always understand your condition and your choices
- Advanced diagnostic and surgical technology in a welcoming, comfortable environment
Schedule a Consultation
You do not have to navigate glaucoma alone. Our team at DiGaetano Cataract Services combines more than five decades of surgical excellence with the warmth and personal attention every patient deserves. We are ready to answer your questions, evaluate your eyes thoroughly, and build a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.
To get started, simply schedule your consultation today. Call our office or message us via our online contact form.
Learn more about your eye eyecare with our blogs.
Explore our collection of expert-led articles to better understand your diagnosis, prepare for upcoming procedures, and stay updated on the innovations shaping the future of eyecare. We invite you to delve into our professional insights and take an active role in preserving your most precious sense.
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Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Is minimally invasive glaucoma surgery painful?
Most patients experience very little discomfort during or after MIGS. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, so you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout. Any minor irritation or sensitivity that follows typically resolves within a day or two and is easily managed with prescribed eye drops and, if needed, over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can MIGS be performed at the same time as cataract surgery?
Yes, and this is one of the most significant benefits of MIGS. For patients who have both cataracts and mild to moderate glaucoma, both conditions can often be treated during a single procedure using the same small incision. This approach reduces total anesthesia exposure, simplifies recovery, and addresses two major eye health concerns in one visit.
Will I be able to stop using my glaucoma eye drops after MIGS?
Many patients experience a meaningful reduction in the number of drops they need after MIGS, and some are able to discontinue eye drops entirely. Results depend on the severity of your glaucoma and the specific procedure performed. Your surgeon at DiGaetano Cataract Services will give you a clear and honest picture of what outcomes are realistic for your individual situation during your pre-surgical consultation.
How do I find out if I am a good candidate for MIGS?
The best first step is to schedule a comprehensive eye evaluation at DiGaetano Cataract Services. Our team will measure your eye pressure, assess your optic nerve, and review your full treatment history before making any recommendations. We encourage you to come with all your questions. There is no pressure to make any decisions on the day of your first visit.
Why should I choose DiGaetano Cataract Services for my glaucoma treatment?
DiGaetano Cataract Services has served the Daytona Beach community for more than 55 years, earning a lasting reputation for surgical excellence and genuinely caring service. We take the time to listen, explain, and support you throughout your care.