We studied 24 patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery to compare the systemic absorption and cardiovascular effects of 2.5% aqueous and 10% viscous ophthalmic solutions of phenylephrine hydrochloride. Plasma levels measured in patients receiving two drops of 10% viscous solution were consistently higher ten, 20, and 60 minutes after instillation (P less than .02). Although the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was generally higher with the 10% viscous solution, the difference was not statistically significant. Blood pressure was high in several isolated cases. Because maximum plasma levels are achieved within ten to 20 minutes after topical instillation, phenylephrine eyedrops should be administered under close observation so that if an adverse reaction occurs it can be readily treated.