We compared hemodynamic responses following laryngeal mask airway insertion versus tracheal intubation in hypertensive patients who were scheduled for elective ophthalmic surgery under general anesthesia. We studied 48 controlled hypertensive patients that were randomly divided into two groups (n=24) for insertion of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and endotracheal intubation (EI). The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, rate pressure product (RPP), and ST-segment changes were recorded preoperatively, immediately preintubation and 1, 3, and 5 minutes after LMA insertion or tracheal intubation in all patients and compared between two groups. There was a reduction in MAP after induction and immediately preintubation in all of patients of both groups (P<0.05). The MAP, heart rate and RPP increased immediately after both LMA insertion and tracheal intubation (P<0.05). The elevation of MAP and RPP were maintained for longer time in intubation group versus LMA group (P<0.05). There was no difference between the groups with respect to ST-segment variation. The incidence of airway injury was similar between two groups. The laryngeal mask airway insertion may be preferable to endotracheal intubation in hypertensive patients where attenuation of hemodynamic stress response is desired.