Combined preoperative topical atropine sulfate 1% and intracameral nonpreserved epinephrine hydrochloride 1:2500 for management of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome

We describe a technique combining preoperative atropine sulfate 1% and intraoperative intracameral epinephrine in a 1:2500 dilution for the management of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) induced by alpha(1A)-blocking agents such as tamsulosin. Patients on alpha(1A)-blocking agents used topical atropine sulfate 1% 3 times a day for 2 days before surgery. In addition to routine topical mydriatics before surgery, they received intracameral epinephrine diluted 1:2500 with BSS. In 19 of 20 eyes, there were no clinical manifestations of IFIS with this regimen. Stimulation of the iris dilator by a direct-acting sympathomimetic (epinephrine) combined with strong pupiloplegia (atropine) provides powerful synergism. Preoperative identification of patients on alpha(1)-blockers is important as complications can be reduced significantly by using appropriate strategies to deal with this condition. It is also important that patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia do not stop using an alpha(1A)-blocker, especially when preoperative atropine is used, as acute urinary retention may ensue.