Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is an intraocular gel used by ophthalmologists during cataract surgery to protect your eye.
| Drug class | Viscoelastic (OVD) |
|---|---|
| Type | Combination |
| Forms | Intraocular Gel (OVD) |
| Common strength | Varies |
| Common Indian brands | Regional OVD brands |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is used for
Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is a special medicine used by eye specialists during eye surgery. Specifically, it is used for:
- Cataract surgery: It helps protect the delicate structures of your eye during the procedure.
Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure to remove a cloudy lens (cataract) from your eye and replace it with a clear artificial lens. This medicine plays a supportive role in making the surgery smoother and safer for your eye.
How it works
This medicine is a combination of two important components: Sodium Hyaluronate and Mannitol. Sodium Hyaluronate is a substance naturally found in the eye, and it helps maintain the eye’s shape and protect its tissues during surgery. Mannitol acts as a ‘free-radical scavenger’. During surgery, sometimes tiny unstable molecules called ‘free radicals’ can form, which might potentially harm eye tissues. Mannitol helps to neutralise these free radicals, offering an additional layer of protection to your eye’s delicate structures during the cataract surgery.
How it’s used
Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is an intraocular gel, which means it is applied directly inside the eye during surgery. It is not a medicine you would apply yourself at home. A qualified ophthalmologist or eye surgeon will administer this gel during your cataract surgery. The exact amount and timing will be decided by your surgeon based on the surgical needs and your eye’s condition. You will not need to do anything special regarding its application; your surgical team will handle it completely.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Regional OVD brands
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
As Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is an intraocular gel used during surgery, the precautions are primarily managed by your surgical team. It is categorised as a Viscoelastic (OVD) variant, and your ophthalmologist is well-versed in its appropriate use and any specific considerations during the procedure. Before your surgery, your doctor will discuss all necessary precautions and assess your overall health to ensure the safest possible outcome. Since this medicine is administered by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting, you do not need to worry about self-administration precautions. Always ensure you inform your ophthalmologist about any allergies or other medical conditions you have before surgery.
Understanding Cataracts and Their Treatment
Cataracts are a very common eye condition, especially as people get older. They occur when the natural lens inside your eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy. Think of looking through a dirty or frosted window – that’s similar to how vision can become with a cataract. This clouding can make your vision blurry, colours appear faded, and you might experience glare from lights, especially at night. Cataracts develop slowly over time and are a natural part of ageing for many people. While they can affect daily activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces, the good news is that cataracts are treatable. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is carefully removed by an ophthalmologist and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed worldwide and can significantly improve your vision and quality of life. Medicines like Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol play a crucial supportive role during this surgery, helping to protect your eye’s delicate structures.
General Eye Care and Hygiene
Maintaining good eye hygiene is essential for overall eye health, especially when undergoing eye procedures or using eye medicines. While Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is administered by a doctor during surgery, general eye care practices are always important. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any eye drops (if prescribed for post-surgery care). Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after surgery, as this can cause irritation or complications. If you are using post-operative eye drops, follow your doctor’s instructions precisely regarding dosage and frequency. Store all eye medicines in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Never share your eye medicines with anyone else, and do not use expired medicines. If you wear contact lenses, your doctor will advise you when it is safe to resume wearing them after surgery.
When to Seek Medical Help
After any eye surgery, it’s important to be aware of your body and report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately. While cataract surgery is generally safe, complications can sometimes occur. If you experience sudden pain in your eye, a significant decrease in vision, persistent redness, swelling, or discharge from your eye after surgery, contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist without delay. These could be signs of an infection or another complication that requires prompt medical attention. Always attend your scheduled follow-up appointments after surgery, as these are crucial for your doctor to monitor your healing and ensure the best possible outcome. Remember, this page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This medicine is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use. Always follow the specific instructions and advice given by your qualified ophthalmologist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol used for?
Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is an intraocular gel used by ophthalmologists during cataract surgery. Its primary purpose is to help protect the delicate structures of your eye during the surgical procedure.
How does Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol work?
This medicine works by combining Sodium Hyaluronate, which helps maintain the eye's shape and protect tissues, with Mannitol. Mannitol acts as a 'free-radical scavenger,' meaning it helps neutralise tiny unstable molecules that might potentially harm eye tissues during surgery, providing extra protection.
What are the common brands of Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol in India?
Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is available under various Regional OVD brands in India. Your ophthalmologist will use a suitable brand during your surgery.
How is Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol used?
This medicine is an intraocular gel, meaning it is applied directly inside your eye by a qualified ophthalmologist during cataract surgery. It is not a medicine for self-administration or home use.
Do I need a prescription for Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol?
Yes, Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol is a prescription eye medicine. It is only used by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use. You do not need to obtain a prescription yourself, as it will be handled by the hospital for your surgery.
What precautions should I take with Sodium Hyaluronate + Mannitol?
Since this medicine is administered by your surgical team during an operation, the primary precautions are managed by your ophthalmologist. Always inform your doctor about any allergies or existing medical conditions before your surgery. This medicine is not for self-use.
References
- Impact of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices in Cataract Surgery – PMC – NIH
- Back to Basics: Using OVDs – Review of Ophthalmology
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.