RESUMEN
Intra-ocular pressure was measured before and during general anesthesia using airway establishment in two groups of patients; laryngeal mask airway was used in one group and tracheal tube was used in the second one. Similar measurements were made during removal of either airway. There was a significant decrease in intra-ocular pressure [P < 0.001] using the laryngeal mask airway, both on placement and removal, than with the tracheal tube. There was significantly greater rise in heart rate using the tracheal tube [P < 0.001] probably due to an increased cardiovascular response. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased also with endotracheal intubation. The incidence of coughing noted in the first two minutes after removal of either airway was significantly reduced using the laryngeal mask airway [P < 0.001]. The laryngeal mask airway is recommended as an alternative to endotracheal intubation in routine and emergency intra-ocular surgery