How should we define target intraocular pressure?

Pearls Manager: Andrew Tatham

Target IOP is the upper limit of IOP estimated to be compatible with a rate of progression sufficiently slow to maintain vision-related quality of life in the expected life time of the patient.

There is no single target IOP that is appropriate for every patient. Factors to consider include patient preference, stage of glaucoma, IOP before treatment, age and life expectancy, rate of progression, presence of risk factors for progression, and side effects and risks of treatment.

Target IOP should be re-evaluated regularly and, additionally, when progression of disease is identified or when ocular or systemic comorbidities develop.

EGS Guidelines 2014, Page 134 - Leske MC, Heigl A, Hyman L, et al. Predictors of long-term progression in the early manifest glaucoma trial. Ophthalmology 2007;114(11):1965-72.