Changes in intra-ocular pressure in the elderly during anaesthesia with propofol

Variations in intra-ocular pressure during anaesthesia were studied in two groups of 15 elderly patients selected randomly. The groups were not significantly different with regard to age, sex, weight or ASA classification. The first group received intravenous propofol as a bolus followed by a continuous infusion. The second group received a bolus of thiopentone followed by maintenance with enflurane. Intra-ocular pressure, heart rate and arterial pressure were measured before and after induction, after intubation and at the end of the operation. Overall, compared with baseline values, the results showed a decrease in intra-ocular pressure of 31% in group 1 and 17% in group 2, and a decrease in systolic arterial pressure of 14% in both groups.