Newmedica ophthalmologist and glaucoma lead, Richard Stead, outlined advances in glaucoma treatment the AOP’s Hospital and Specialty Optometrists Conference (HSOC, 8–9 November 2025).
During his presentation, Stead shared that for many years treatment for glaucoma was confined to trabeculectomy or pressure lowering eye drops.
“Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a topic that has emerged over the past 10 years,” he said.
In conversation with OT, Stead explained that there are a number of devices that can be implanted during MIGS operations to tap into the natural drainage system of the eye.
“The key ethos with MIGS is that they are a very safe way of lowering pressure. Usually the risks are similar to cataract surgery, which can be done concurrently,” Stead highlighted.
Stead highlighted that while MIGS has a modest treatment effect compared to trabeculectomy, the intervention can reduce reliance on eye drops.
“That has a real effect on their quality of life,” he said.
Stead added that minimally invasive bleb surgery bypasses the trabecular meshwork by putting a tube into the anterior chamber which drains under the subconjunctival space.
He added that the procedure has some advantages over a trabeculectomy – as a more straightforward procedure with a quicker recovery time and more predictable outcomes.
“The longer-term results suggest that trabeculectomy still gets a lower pressure,” he said.
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