Intra-ocular pressure changes using the laryngeal mask airway and tracheal tube.

Intra-ocular pressure was measured before and throughout airway establishment with either the laryngeal mask airway or tracheal tube. Similar measurements were made on removal of either airway and the amount of coughing noted in the first minute after removal. There was a significantly smaller increase in intra-ocular pressure (p less than 0.001) using the laryngeal mask airway, both on placement and removal, than with the tracheal tube. Postoperative coughing was significantly reduced using the laryngeal mask airway (p less than 0.001). There was a significantly greater rise in heart rate using the tracheal tube (p less than 0.01) probably related to an increased cardiovascular response. The laryngeal mask airway is recommended as an alternative to tracheal intubation in routine and emergency intra-ocular surgery.