Effects of Atracurium and Pancuronium on Intraocular Pressure

Cataract is an opacified lens and senile cataract is a common disorder. It is desirable to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in order to minimize intra and post operative difficulties and complications. Many researches have studied the effects of muscle relaxants on IOP. Comparison effect of atracurium and pancuronium on IOP has been evaluated in one study with a small sample size (N=20). In this research, we compared the effects of atracurium and pancuronium on IOP in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

In a clinical trial study, ninety patients, ASA I, candidates for senile cataract surgery were randomly selected to receive either atracurium 0.5mg/kg or pancuronium 0.1mg/kg with fentanyl 2 g/kg and thiopental 5mg/kg for induction of general anesthesia. Before induction and 3minutes after endotracheal intubation, the IOP in both eyes was measured using Schiotz Tonometer. Data was analyzed using T- paired and chi square test.

There were no differences in demographic data of the two groups. In atracurium group, the IOP didn’t have any significant changes. Three minutes after endotracheal intubation, the mean IOP decreased in the pancuronium group (2.98±3.25 and 2.56±3.51 mmHg in right and left eyes, respectively) (P=0.000).

According to our data, attracurium has no effect on IOP, but pancuronium can decrease IOP in patients undergoing cataract surgery. It is therefore safe to use pancuronium and atracurium in general anesthesia for ophthalmic surgery.