Intraocular Pressure

Intraocular Pressure is the subject for the fourth Consensus report published under the auspices of the AIGS, now renamed as the World Glaucoma Association (WGA). It seems like yesterday (November, 2003) that the inaugural AIGS Consensus meeting was held in San Diego to discuss Glaucoma Diagnosis. Since then we have had annual consensus reports on Open Angle Glaucoma Surgery and Angle Closure and Angle Closure Glaucoma. Each of them has been preceded by several months of active participation in our Project Forum E-Room (beginning in January, 2007 for the IOP Consensus) by expert members of the various consensus committees. As done with prior reports, the preliminary document was circulated to each of the member societies of the WGA, and additional comments were solicited for the document. Each member Society also was invited to send a representative to attend the consensus meeting that was held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on May 5, 2007. The report then was discussed extensively during the Consensus Meeting and Consensus Statements were revised following these discussions. Intraocular Pressure is a topic that touches the essence of our subspecialty. Its measurement is a vital aspect of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. For now, it is the only modifiable risk factor. Measurement of IOP is a relatively recent - one century - addition to our diagnostic armamentarium. Even though the measurement of IOP is relatively simple, it is by no means uncomplicated. The greatest limitation is probably the paucity of measurements that are obtained in practice. Although continuous IOP measurement is on the horizon, it still is not ready for clinical practice. Arriving at a consensus often can be circuitous and filled with compromises. However, this opportunity is used to critically assess the evidence and develop consensus points. The reader will find this consensus report instructive, practical, and thought-provoking. Moreover, it has great potential to impact patients, both individually and collectively, through both their care and research.