Effect of 10% phenylephrine eye drops on systemic blood pressure in normotensive & hypertensive patient.

OBJECTIVES A prospective study to evaluate the effect of 10% Phenylephrine eye drops on systemic blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive patients. METHODS The sample comprised of 55 normotensive patients and 34 hypertensive patients were subjected to 10% Phenylephrine eye drops during routine eye examination. RESULTS No statistically and clinically significant increase in blood pressure after the instillation of 10% Phenylephrine eye drops was seen in 87% of normotensive patients and 76% of hypertensive patients. Mild rise of blood pressure was seen in 11% of normotensive patients and in 15% of the hypertensive patients. Only one patient (3%) had severe rise of blood pressure in the hypertensive group. CONCLUSION This study shows that pupillary dilatation with 10% Phenylephrine eye drops did not significantly increase systemic blood pressure in normotensive and hypertensive patients. Although precautions should be taken when used in hypertensive patients.