A comparison of isoflurane and halothane in anaesthesia for intra-ocular surgery.

Isoflurane 0.75% was compared with halothane 0.5% as the volatile supplement in a normocapnic technique for intra-ocular surgery. Both agents gave satisfactory conditions for operation with a comparable reduction in intra-ocular pressure during the procedure. Systolic arterial pressure, however, was significantly lower in the isoflurane group at the end of surgery and after tracheal extubation than in the halothane group. Isoflurane provides a useful alternative to halothane in anaesthesia for intraocular surgery.