Ophthalmological Use of Mannitol

Acute Renal Failure due to Mannitol Intoxication

“…Current common clinical uses include treat ment of cerebral edema [1], prophylaxis of acute renal failure [2] and reduction of intraocular pressure in pa tients with glaucoma [3]. Because mannitol is osmotically active and is largely excreted by the kidney, intra vascular accumulation can occur in the setting of renal insufficiently.…”

Comparison of the effect of hypertonic hydroxyethyl starch and mannitol on the intraocular pressure in healthy normotensive dogs and the effect of hypertonic hydroxyethyl starch on the intraocular pressure in dogs with primary glaucoma

“…Different authors recommend doses of 0.2–3 g/kg of 20% mannitol IV over a period of 10–60 min to decrease IOP 7,16,17 . Also, in human ophthalmology, mannitol is the hyperosmotic agent of choice and is used in different dosages (10–25% mannitol; 0.5–3.2 g/kg, over 15–150 min) 18–29 . To the authors’ knowledge, no studies are available that examined the effect of hypertonic HES on IOP in dogs or humans.…”

Prevention of Vitreous Loss in Cataract Extraction

“…The rationale of inducing ocular L. Yanko hypotony by either acetazolamide, osmotic therapy or ocular massage before cataract extraction to reduce the incidence of vitreous loss has largely been described; (Kirsch & Steinman 1955, Gartner 1959, Friedman, Byron & Turtz 1962, Hill 1964, Jaffe & Light 1965, Townes 1965, Jaffe 1968, Kornblueth & Gombos 1962, Seeger & Lewis 1964, Robbins & Galin 1969. However, in a recent study, Galin, Robbins & Obstbaum (1971) inferred that hypotony per se is not of benefit in reducing the possibility of vitreous loss, but that it is of value when induced by hyperosmolar therapy which reduces vitreous mass.…”