THE EFFECT OF SMOKING ON INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE INCREASE AFTER ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION

This study investigates the effect of smoking on intraocular pressure (IOP) following endotracheal intubation. Endotracheal intubation is known to cause transient increases in IOP, which may pose risks for patients with preexisting ocular conditions. However, the influence of smoking on these changes remains unclear. By comparing IOP variations among smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers, this study aims to provide insights into the relationship between smoking and IOP fluctuations during general anesthesia. A total of 150 adult patients (ages 18–40) undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were included. Patients were classified into three groups: smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers. Standardized anesthetic protocols were applied to all participants, and IOP measurements were taken using a Tono-Pen XL device at baseline (pre-induction), post-induction, immediately after intubation, and at 10- and 20-minutes post-intubation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was also recorded at these times. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 20.0, applying appropriate tests for intergroup and intragroup. Baseline IOP values were similar across all groups. After induction, IOP decreased in all patients but significantly increased following intubation. Smokers exhibited a more pronounced rise in IOP post-intubation compared to non-smokers and former smokers (p < 0.01). At the 10th and 20th minutes, IOP values declined but remained higher in smokers than in the other groups. No significant differences were observed in MAP values between groups, suggesting that systemic blood pressure changes did not account for the observed IOP differences. Smoking appears to exacerbate the increase in IOP following endotracheal intubation, posing potential risks for ocular health, particularly in patients susceptible to glaucoma. These findings highlight the need for careful anesthetic management in smokers to mitigate IOP spikes during intubation.