The aim of the present work was to evaluate the usefulness of laryngeal mask airway in intraocular surgery patients. The study included 27 patients aged 44-87 years operated due to retinal detachment, cataract and bleeding to anterior chamber. After the loss of consciousness and muscle relaxation, LMA no 3.0 or 4.0 was inserted without laryngoscope, the size of the mask depending on patient's body weight and height. The following were monitored during the operation: ecg, HR, SAP, DAP, SpO2, EtCO2,PIP, TV, MV, TOF and IOP. The results of investigations allowed to claim that the use of laryngeal mask airway ensured normal airway patency and pulmonary ventilation with insignificant elevation of end-expiratory CO2, pressure during the procedure. LMA insertion is simple and non-traumatic, though in some patients the leakage between the mask and larynx occurs. Its insertion does not result in the instability of circulatory system and intraocular pressure. LMA may thus be useful in eye surgery patients, which allows to avoid the factors causing IOP increase.

Keywords: eye surgery, general anaesthesia, laryngeal mask airway, Ventilation, Intraocular Pressure