Expert-Led Glaucoma Surgery in Northwest Georgia
Glaucoma is a chronic condition that often progresses quietly over time. While it cannot be cured, timely care can play a critical role in preserving sight and reducing the risk of further optic nerve damage.
At Professional Eye, we provide advanced glaucoma surgery to help slow disease progression and protect remaining vision. Our board-certified ophthalmologists bring decades of experience in glaucoma management and perform surgery in our AAAHC-certified, All-Eye Same-Day Surgery Center, the only one of its kind in Northwest Georgia.
Patients throughout Northwest Georgia trust our team for thoughtful guidance, personalized care plans, and compassionate support at every step. If glaucoma surgery is being considered as part of your treatment plan, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident moving forward.
What Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery?
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) refers to a group of advanced surgical procedures designed to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma using smaller incisions, specialized micro-instruments, and less tissue disruption than traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye due to improper drainage of fluid. MIGS procedures improve the eye’s natural drainage system or create a new drainage pathway to help reduce pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage.
Compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries, MIGS procedures are:
- Performed through very small incisions
- Associated with shorter recovery times
- Designed to have a strong safety profile
- Can be done at the same time as cataract surgery
Why Is Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery Performed?
The primary goal of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is to improve fluid drainage within the eye to reduce pressure and help slow the progression of glaucoma. Unlike tube shunts, which create a new external drainage pathway by implanting a tube and plate, MIGS procedures typically enhance the eye’s natural drainage system using microscopic devices inserted through tiny incisions.
This makes MIGS an appealing option for patients who:
- Have mild to moderate glaucoma
- Need better pressure control beyond medications
- Wish to reduce their reliance on daily eye drops
- Are already planning to undergo cataract surgery
In contrast, tube shunts are generally recommended when glaucoma is more advanced or when previous treatments, including MIGS or other surgeries, have not successfully controlled pressure. Additionally, a tube shunt is not typically done as an add-on to cataract surgery.
What Types of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery Are There?
Professional Eye offers several glaucoma surgery options to help manage eye pressure and protect long-term vision:
- Ab Interno Canaloplasty (ABiC)
- iStent
- Hydrus® Microstent
- Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV)
Each procedure works in a different way to improve fluid drainage from the eye and is selected based on a patient’s specific type of glaucoma, eye health, and treatment history. Our experienced ophthalmologists always take a personalized approach, carefully recommending the option that best supports each patient’s safety and long-term eye health.
Ab Interno Canaloplasty (ABiC) is a minimally invasive glaucoma procedure that restores the eye’s natural drainage system. Using a tiny catheter, your surgeon gently opens and expands the eye’s drainage canal to improve fluid outflow and lower intraocular pressure. ABiC is tissue-sparing and designed to enhance safety while effectively managing mild to moderate glaucoma.
The iStent is a microscopic implant placed inside the eye to improve fluid drainage and reduce intraocular pressure. Inserted through a small incision, it creates a direct pathway for fluid to flow more efficiently through the eye’s natural drainage system. The iStent is often combined with cataract surgery for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
The Hydrus® microstent is a small, flexible device implanted within the eye’s drainage canal to enhance fluid outflow and lower eye pressure. It works by widening and supporting the canal, helping fluid move more freely. Frequently performed during cataract surgery, the Hydrus microstent is designed for patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma.
The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) is a small medical device implanted in the eye to help regulate fluid drainage and control eye pressure. The valve helps prevent pressure from becoming too high while reducing the risk of over-drainage. AGV surgery may be recommended for certain complex or advanced cases of glaucoma.
How To Prepare for Glaucoma Surgery
Before scheduling glaucoma surgery, your ophthalmologist will take time to evaluate your eyes and walk you through the recommended treatment plan. This visit is focused on answering questions, setting expectations, and ensuring the procedure aligns with your overall eye health needs.
As part of this discussion, your doctor may review:
- How medications should be managed leading up to surgery
- Whether contact lens use should be paused beforehand
- What arrangements to make for the day of the procedure
By taking a thoughtful, personalized approach to patient care, our team helps you feel prepared, supported, and comfortable before moving ahead.
What Happens During Glaucoma Surgery?
Glaucoma surgery at Professional Eye is performed at our state-of-the-art Surgery Center in Dalton as an outpatient procedure. On the day of surgery, patients are welcomed by our experienced surgical team and made comfortable with appropriate anesthesia to help ensure a calm and pain-controlled experience.
During surgery, your ophthalmologist focuses on precision and safety while tailoring the approach to your specific type of glaucoma and eye health needs. Most procedures are completed in under an hour, and patients are able to return home the same day with clear post-operative instructions.
What To Expect After Your Glaucoma Procedure
Recovery after glaucoma surgery is gradual and closely monitored to support long-term eye health. While each patient’s experience is unique, most can expect the following:
- Temporary blurred vision or light sensitivity as the eye heals
- Mild redness, irritation, or discomfort that improves over time
- Use of prescribed eye drops to support healing and control inflammation
- Activity guidelines to protect the eye during early recovery
- Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor eye pressure and healing progress
- Possible adjustments to glaucoma medications as directed by your doctor
Our care team provides detailed post-surgical instructions and remains available to answer questions, so that you feel supported throughout your recovery.
Trusted Glaucoma Treatment in Northwest Georgia From Top Providers
Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but with expert care and timely treatment, its progression can often be managed. At Professional Eye, our board-certified ophthalmologists provide advanced, personalized glaucoma care supported by decades of experience and a patient-first approach, proudly serving Northwest Georgia at our Dalton, Calhoun, Chatsworth, and Ft. Oglethorpe offices.
If glaucoma surgery has been recommended for you or you have questions about your treatment options, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation at the Professional Eye location most convenient for you to learn whether glaucoma surgery may be an appropriate next step in protecting your vision.