Laryngeal Mask Airway and Endotracheal Tube: Effects on Intraocular Pressure in Patients Undergoing Cataract Extraction and Lens Implantation

The control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in cataract surgery is essential to surgical outcome, as uncontrolled increases in IOP may result in unplanned vitreous expulsion and subsequent blindness. Various anaesthetic techniques have been investigated for containment of the pressor response associated with laryngeal stimulation when airway devices are placed. Among these is the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) with or without drugs known to attenuate the pressor response. This book is about the influence on IOP of placement of either the LMA or the endotracheal tube (ETT) and compares the two airway devices regarding their impact on IOP following a standard anaesthetic induction. The LMA causes minimal changes in IOP when used to secure the airway during cataract surgery. The rise in IOP following endotracheal intubation is significant, yet transient and probably insignificant. This book will be of interest and benefit to medical professionals in Anaesthesiology and Ophthalmology.