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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.
“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.
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, said Dr Anand.
In addition to the iStent inject-W, the centre 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.
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.
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.”
Now in its 12th year, Nethradhama Mysuru offers bladeless robotic laser cataract surgery, advanced topography-guided laser correction for keratoconus, and is also NABH ECO accredited for patient safety and quality care.
Raghu HR, general manager at Nethradhama Mysuru stated, “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.
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