Why Do Half of Cataract Surgeons Avoid MIGS?

From the Editor: Despite patient acceptance and expanding options, surgeon hesitation remains a major barrier to broader MIGS adoption.

By: Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD

Glaucoma Physician March 1, 2026 Page(s): 1

5 Key Takeaways

1

Surgeon hesitation significantly limits the adoption of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) despite patient acceptance.
2

Nearly half of glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery do not receive concomitant glaucoma treatment.
3

Some surgeons avoid MIGS due to discomfort with gonioscopy or a preference to refer glaucoma patients to colleagues.
4

Emerging treatments, such as direct selective laser trabeculoplasty and intraocular drug-delivery platforms, may increase accessibility for surgeons.
5

New glaucoma treatment options are being developed to accommodate surgeons hesitant about gonioscopy, benefiting patient care.

Nathan M. Radcliffe

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD, is a physician author in ophthalmology with a focus on glaucoma. In Glaucoma Physician, he has written on the management of glaucoma in eyes with intraocular tumors, including mechanisms of tumor-associated glaucoma and treatment considerations when intraocular malignancy is part of the clinical history.

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Glaucoma Physician

Why Do Half of Cataract Surgeons Avoid MIGS?

5 Key Takeaways

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