CONTENTS

FOREWORD

This is the second Consensus Book published by the AIGS on: Glaucoma Surgery – Open Angle Glaucoma. A consensus meeting has great potential to impact patients, both individually and collectively. Reports for this consensus meeting have been prepared and discussed using an efficient internet based e- Room system. The Consensus Faculty consists of leading authorities in Glaucoma Surgery with representatives from six Continents. These 90 experts devoted their time, insight and energy to the preparation of the reports, over a period of three months. Each report was discussed extensively during the Consensus Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, April 30, 2005. Reports and Statements were revised following these discussions by each of the groups and the Consensus Development Panel.

A consensus is based on the published literature and expert experience. While one should strive to practice evidence-based medicine, it is clear that many aspects of surgical practice in ophthalmology have not been subject to, or are not amenable to long term prospective randomized controlled trials. Though consensus by experts is not a surrogate for rigorous scientific investigation, it has value, in particular where the appropriate evidence is lacking. Generating consensus in expert opinion for glaucoma surgery therefore aims to derive the most appropriate surgical management for our patients and will highlight areas where further research is required.

Robert N. Weinreb, President, AIGS

Erik L. Greve, Executive Vice President, AIGS

“But if you can assemble a diverse group of people who possess varying degrees of knowledge and insight, you’re better off entrusting it with major decisions rather than leaving them in the hands of one or two people, no matter how smart those people are.”

James Surowiecki. The Wisdom of Crowds 2004