IN THE past decade intravenous anesthesia has shown a definite and consistent increase in its application and use. We feel that this form of anesthesia has a definite place in ophthalmic surgery for the following reasons :
The technic of administration is simple.
The period of induction is short and pleasant.
The usual psychic shock is absent.
The depth of narcosis is controllable and sufficient for any ophthalmic procedure.
The administration may be repeated without danger of becoming habit forming.
The operative field is free of the anesthetist and his equipment.
The intraocular tension is reduced 40 to 60 per cent.
We do not advocate intravenous anesthesia for all types of ophthalmic patients. We wish to emphasize that the contraindications to the intravenous use of anesthetic agents must be observed. Children under 7 or 8 years of age, unless robust, are poor subjects. In addition to their natural fear and small