• Advanced MIGS technologies like iStent inject-W and Kahook Dual Blade introduced for the first time in Mysuru, setting a new benchmark for glaucoma care in tier-2 cities
• MIGS offers faster recovery, fewer complications, fewer side effects as well as a
  reduced reliance on lifelong medications for glaucoma patients

Nethradhama Superspeciality Eye Hospital, Mysuru, has launched the city’s first dedicated Centre of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), offering new hope to people affected by one of India’s leading causes of irreversible blindness. Glaucoma affects nearly 11.9 million people across the country and is responsible for more than 12 percent of all blindness. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma causes slow and permanent damage to the optic nerve. Most patients do not experience symptoms until it is too late to reverse the loss of vision.

For many, living with glaucoma means managing a complex and lifelong treatment plan. Patients are often prescribed up to four different types of eye drops each day. This can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially for elderly individuals who may struggle with allergies, poor tolerance, or difficulty using the drops regularly. The long-term financial burden adds to the challenge, making glaucoma a difficult condition to live with despite being treatable.

“The newly introduced MIGS treatment at Nethradhama offers a modern, patient-friendly solution for those living with mild to moderate glaucoma,” said Dr. Monica Anand, Senior Consultant, Phaco and Glaucoma, Nethradhama Mysuru. “For years, patients have been stuck in a difficult middle ground. Their condition was not severe enough for invasive surgery called Trabeculectomy, but their quality of life was steadily declining under the burden of multiple drops a day. MIGS changes that. One of the most promising innovations is the iStent inject-W, a microscopic implant placed through a 2 mm incision, which can either be a standalone surgery or can be combined with cataract surgery. It helps restore the eye’s natural fluid drainage and significantly reduces the need for long-term medications. Since the procedure is quick and does not require stitches, patients recover faster, experience fewer complications, and regain more control over their daily lives. These procedures also allow glaucoma specialists the flexibility to tailor surgical approaches to each specific patient based on their medical condition and needs.”

In addition to the iStent inject-W, the center also offers excisional goniotomy using the Kahook Dual Blade. In this procedure, a small part of the eye’s natural drainage tissue, called the trabecular meshwork, is removed through a micro incision to help lower eye pressure. This is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for treating glaucoma.

One of the center’s first patients was a 55-year-old gentleman with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma who was using three different types of eye drops but had developed severe allergic reactions to two of them. He also had cataract in both eyes. “We performed cataract surgery along with the iStent inject-W procedure. The results were remarkable. His vision was restored, his intraocular pressure is now stable, and he no longer needs any glaucoma medication,” Dr. Monica added.

Since late 2024, Nethradhama Mysuru has performed more than 25 MIGS procedures, including both iStent inject-W and Kahook Dual Blade, making it the first hospital in the city to offer this advanced treatment. Patients have already reported better comfort, improved quality of life, and in several cases, complete freedom from glaucoma drops.

“We are not just a hospital in Mysore. We are the eye care responsibility holders for this entire region,” said Dr. Chetan Anand, Unit Head and Medical Superintendent, and Senior Consultant, Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Services. “People from Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Coorg, and even parts of Kerala often had to travel to metro cities like Bengaluru for advanced glaucoma surgery. With this Centre of Excellence, we are removing that burden. Patients can now access high-quality, globally benchmarked treatment closer to home, without the delays, costs, and logistical challenges of long-distance travel.”

Now in its 12th year, Nethradhama Mysuru has become known for consistently introducing first-in-city technologies and delivering comprehensive eye care under one roof. It was the first in Mysuru to offer bladeless robotic laser cataract surgery, advanced topography-guided laser correction for keratoconus, and is also NABH ECO accredited for patient safety and quality care. With the launch of the MIGS Centre of Excellence, Nethradhama is now setting a new benchmark for glaucoma care in Tier 2 India and transforming the way patients experience treatment and recovery.

“Our vision goes beyond clinical care,” said Mr. Raghu HR, General Manager at Nethradhama Mysuru. “We are building an epicenter for advanced eye care in South Karnataka. Through regular outreach, screening camps, and CSR initiatives, we aim to make revolutionary treatments like iStent inject-W and KDB accessible to semi-urban and rural communities as well. We believe that true excellence lies in combining world-class treatment with deep community engagement.”

As part of its preventive care strategy, Nethradhama plans to conduct regular glaucoma awareness campaigns and early screening programs to help detect the condition before irreversible damage occurs.