The Effects of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine Injections on IOP in General Anesthesia Intubation: A Meta-Analysis

Objective. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with general anesthesia administered via intubation. Methods. We searched randomized controlled trials (RCT) on the effects of intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine on IOP in patients with general anesthesia administered via intubation. Results. The meta-analysis study showed that (1) a statistically significant difference [WMD = −3.40 mmHg, 95% CI (−4.76, −2.04), P < 0.00001] was found between IOP of the two groups. (2) The IOP of the dexmedetomidine group that was administrated succinylcholine was lower than that of placebo group which was administrated succinylcholine [WMD = −4.13 mmHg, 95% CI (−6.01, −2.25), P < 0.0001]. (3) Compared with the IOP of patients in the placebo group, patients with intubation in the dexmedetomidine group maintained a lower IOP [WMD = −3.10 mmHg, 95% CI (−5.12, −1.07), P = 0.003]. However, for incidences of bradycardia, the use of dexmedetomidine was higher than that of the placebo [RR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.07, 0.76), P = 0.02]. Conclusion. This meta-analysis showed that, in many cases, dexmedetomidine can lower the IOP of patients with general anesthesia administered by intubation.