A comparison of the effects of alfentanil/droperidol or fentanyl/droperidol on intra-ocular pressure

The influence of two intravenous sedative regimens on intra-ocular pressure was investigated in conjunction with retrobulbar local anaesthesia. Forty patients were allocated randomly to either group A (alfentanil and droperidol) or group F (fentanyl and droperidol). Measurements of intra-ocular pressure, arterial pressure and oxygen saturation were made before operation, after premedication, after intravenous sedation and after surgery. Paco2 was also measured before and after operation. Each sedation technique caused a similar reduction in intra-ocular pressure. There was less effect on Paco2 and oxygenation in group A.