Trabecular Meshwork-Based MIGS: Efficacy, Technique Variability, and Wound Healing—A Comprehensive Review

TL;DR

This review examines TM-based MIGS for glaucoma, finding they safely reduce eye pressure but with variable effectiveness depending on technique and patient factors.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of TM-based MIGS techniques, comparing their efficacy, safety, and outcomes.

Findings

TM-based MIGS devices achieved meaningful IOP reduction compared to trabeculectomies.

No consensus exists on which TM-based MIGS technique yields the best outcomes.

Success depends on surgical technique, device type, and patient-specific factors.

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, can be managed surgically when medical treatments are insufficient. Trabecular meshwork (TM)-based micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has emerged as a less invasive surgical approach to lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and managing glaucoma. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes the scientific literature and trials on TM-based MIGS techniques, including trabecular micro-bypass stents, goniotomy and trabeculotomy procedures, electrocautery and laser-based approaches, and ab interno canaloplasty. Among these techniques, efficacy, pivotal clinical trials, medication reduction, safety profiles, complications, and determinants of surgical success were examined. Results: While all TM-based MIGS devices assessed achieved meaningful IOP reduction compared with trabeculectomies, there was no consensus on which TM-based MIGS technique yielded the best outcomes. TM-based MIGS had a good safety profile compared with traditional glaucoma surgeries. Common postoperative complications included transient hyphema, corneal edema, and anterior chamber inflammation. Ultimately, the success of TM-based MIGS procedures depended on many factors, including surgical technique, device type, and patient-specific factors. Conclusions: TM-based MIGS are an effective and safe surgical management option for eligible glaucoma patients requiring moderate IOP reduction. Future research should focus on the long-term outcomes of MIGS procedures, compare MIS devices, and explore the mechanistic and histopathological changes induced by MIGS.