Glaucoma is a condition that develops when the eye’s drainage system does not work properly. Pressure in the eye builds, causing progressive damage to the optic nerve. This can lead to vision loss or irreversible blindness.

Medication (eye drops) and laser therapy can reduce pressure in the eye for people with mild glaucoma. But those with advanced glaucoma may require an invasive treatment called filtration surgery. A newer, less invasive glaucoma treatment is available called minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Ontario Health looked at the budget impact of publicly funding MIGS for adults with glaucoma, as well as at the experiences, preferences, and values of adults with glaucoma. This work complements a health technology assessment conducted in collaboration with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, which looked at the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness, patient perspectives and experiences, ethical issues, and implementation issues regarding MIGS for adults with glaucoma.