Introduction
A decrease in intraocular pressure has been found under general anesthesia in animals1,2 and in man.3-5 Previous reports have considered chiefly the explosive agents.5 Important measurements of intraocular pressure (especially in small children) must often be taken under general anesthesia, and the use of the electrical apparatus during many eye procedures requires a nonexplosive technique. Chloroform,6 halothane (Fluothane), and trichloroethylene (Trilene), as well as intravenous barbiturates have been widely used for this purpose. However, the effect of these common nonexplosive agents on intraocular pressure in man has not been completely investigated. It is also desirable to know if all anesthetic agents which produce general anesthesia and which are pharmacologically different affect intraocular pressure in a similar manner. Therefore, investigation of the influence of trichloroethylene, halothane, chloroform, and hydroxydione sodium succinate (Viadril) on intraocular pressure in man was undertaken.
Methods and Material
Both eyes of 80