Implementing Interventional Glaucoma: A Step‑by‑Step Consensus Roadmap for Ophthalmologists

Summary of the Article: A New Protocol for Glaucoma Treatment (IG-like Mindset)

This article details a new consensus-based protocol for glaucoma treatment, aiming to simplify and standardize care. While data supports an “IG-like mindset” (likely referring to a specific, data-backed approach to glaucoma management), implementing it can be overwhelming for practitioners.

Key takeaways from the protocol:

* Medication as Supplement: Medication should be used along with other treatments, not as the primary approach.
* Prioritize Non-Invasive Treatments: For mild to moderate glaucoma (including ocular hypertension), non-invasive treatments should be the first line of defense.
* Procedural Pharmaceuticals: These are considered after non-invasive options, with the goal of administering medication directly to the eye, removing patient-dependent adherence.
* Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Tissue-sparing MIGS (stenting, canaloplasty) are the next step, avoiding destruction of the trabecular meshwork. More disruptive MIGS are considered later.
* Traditional Therapy as last Resort: More aggressive treatments and filtering surgery should be reserved for severe glaucoma or to prevent irreversible optic nerve damage.
* Adaptability: The protocol is presented as a guideline, meant to be adapted to individual patient needs.

The goal is to create a clear “roadmap” for ophthalmologists, making glaucoma treatment more consistent and effective.

Source: The protocol was presented at Hawaiian Eye 2026 by Dr. Funke and is also published in Expert Review of Ophthalmology. Dr. Funke has financial disclosures with several pharmaceutical and medical device companies (AbbVie, Alcon, Dompé, Elios).