Which category includes trabeculectomy, tubes/shunts/GDD, and MIGs?

• A. Laser options
• B. Medical therapy
• C. Surgical options
• D. Diagnostic imaging

Answer: (C)

In glaucoma care, treatment approaches are grouped by how they affect the eye. Surgical interventions are procedures that physically modify aqueous humor outflow to lower intraocular pressure. Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage pathway through a scleral flap to filter fluid. Glaucoma drainage devices (tubes/shunts/GDD) place a tube and plate to divert aqueous humor to a drainage area, lowering pressure. MIGs, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, are newer surgical techniques aimed at improving outflow with less tissue disruption, often done alongside cataract surgery or as standalone procedures. All of these are considered surgical options, distinct from medical therapy (eye drops/pills) and from laser therapy, which uses lasers to alter outflow without creating a surgical drainage pathway. So the category that includes trabeculectomy, tubes/shunts/GDD, and MIGs is surgical options.