Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is a clear gel used by ophthalmologists during eye surgery to help maintain space and protect delicate eye tissues.
| Drug class | Viscoelastic (OVD) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intraocular Gel (OVD) |
| Common strength | 1% – 2.3% |
| Common Indian brands | Healon, Provisc, Appavisc, Viscoat (with chondroitin sulphate) |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is used for
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is a special medicine used during certain eye surgeries. It falls under the category of ‘Diagnostic & Surgical’ medicines, specifically as a ‘Viscoelastic (OVD)’.
Its main purpose is to assist the surgeon during intricate procedures by:
- Maintaining space within the eye during cataract surgery.
- Protecting the delicate corneal endothelium (the innermost layer of the cornea) during cataract surgery.
- Assisting in other various intraocular procedures where maintaining space and protecting tissues are crucial.
Think of it as a temporary, protective cushion that helps the surgeon work safely and precisely inside your eye. This helps ensure a smoother surgery and better outcomes for your vision.
How it works
Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) works by being a clear, gel-like substance that is carefully injected into the eye by your ophthalmologist during surgery. Its unique properties allow it to:
- Hold the chamber open: It helps to keep the delicate structures inside your eye separated and the surgical area clear, giving the surgeon enough space to perform the procedure effectively.
- Cushion delicate tissues: It forms a protective layer over sensitive parts of your eye, like the corneal endothelium, shielding them from potential damage during the surgical instruments’ movements.
Because it’s a gel, it stays in place during the surgery, providing a stable environment. Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will carefully wash it out of your eye. This ensures that it doesn’t remain in your eye after the procedure, allowing for proper healing.
How it’s used
Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is not a medicine you would use at home. It is exclusively used by your ophthalmologist during eye surgery in a hospital or clinic setting. Here’s what that means for you:
- During Surgery Only: This gel is injected into your eye by the surgeon at specific points during your procedure, such as cataract surgery.
- Washed Out: At the very end of your surgery, the ophthalmologist will carefully remove and wash out the Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) from your eye. It is not meant to stay in your eye long-term.
- Never for Self-Use: You will never be given this medicine to apply yourself. It requires specialized surgical techniques for administration and removal.
Your surgical team will handle all aspects of its use, ensuring it is applied and removed correctly to support your successful surgery and recovery.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Healon
- Provisc
- Appavisc
- Viscoat (with chondroitin sulphate)
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
While Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is a very safe and helpful tool during eye surgery, your ophthalmologist takes certain precautions to ensure your well-being. The main precaution associated with this medicine is:
- Temporary Pressure Spike: If the gel is not fully removed from your eye at the end of the surgery, there is a possibility it could cause a temporary increase in the pressure inside your eye. This usually happens on the first day after your operation.
Your surgeon is highly skilled and will make every effort to completely wash out the gel. After your surgery, your doctor will monitor your eye pressure closely, especially during your first follow-up visit, to ensure everything is normal. If a pressure spike does occur, it is usually temporary and can be managed by your ophthalmologist.
Remember, this is a prescription eye medicine and is used only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist in a hospital setting. 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.
Understanding Eye Surgery and Your Role
Undergoing eye surgery can feel daunting, but understanding the process can help ease your mind. At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we use advanced techniques and medicines like Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) to make your surgery as safe and effective as possible. The conditions treated with the help of this medicine, such as cataracts, are common and highly treatable. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, which leads to blurry vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and faded colours. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and restore clear vision. During your surgery, your ophthalmologist will carefully remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) plays a crucial role by creating a stable environment inside your eye, protecting delicate structures, and allowing the surgeon to work with precision. Your active participation in your recovery is just as important as the surgery itself. This includes following all post-operative instructions, attending follow-up appointments, and reporting any concerns promptly to your medical team. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable throughout your journey to better vision.
General Eye Care and Hygiene After Surgery
After any eye surgery, maintaining excellent eye hygiene is critical to prevent infections and promote healing. While Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is used during surgery and removed afterwards, the principles of post-operative care remain universal. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or applying any prescribed eye drops. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your operated eye. If you have been given eye drops to use at home, ensure you follow the instructions precisely. Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and instil the drop without touching your eye with the dropper tip. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to absorb. If you are using more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to prevent them from washing each other out. Keep your prescribed eye drops in a clean, cool, and dry place, away from direct sunlight, as advised by your pharmacist or doctor. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, and discard any leftover medicine after the recommended period, even if the bottle isn’t empty. Cleanliness is paramount for a smooth recovery.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most eye surgeries proceed smoothly, it’s essential to know when to contact your ophthalmologist immediately. After your surgery, you might experience some mild discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light, which is usually normal. However, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include a sudden decrease in vision, severe or increasing eye pain, persistent redness that worsens, new floaters or flashes of light, or any discharge from your eye. If you notice any of these signs, do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your ophthalmologist’s emergency number right away. Early detection and treatment of any potential complications are crucial for preserving your vision and ensuring a successful recovery. Always remember that your medical team is your best resource for any questions or concerns you may have about your eye health and post-operative care. We are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care and support.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) used for?
Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is a clear gel used by ophthalmologists during eye surgery to help maintain space within the eye and protect delicate tissues like the corneal endothelium during procedures such as cataract surgery.
How does Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) work?
It works as a clear gel that is injected into the eye during surgery. It helps to hold the eye's internal chamber open, providing space for the surgeon to work, and cushions delicate eye tissues, protecting them from damage during the procedure.
What are some common Indian brands of Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic)?
Some common brands available in India include Healon, Provisc, Appavisc, and Viscoat (which contains chondroitin sulphate).
How is Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) used?
It is used only during eye surgery by a qualified ophthalmologist. It is injected into the eye during the procedure and then carefully washed out at the end of the surgery. It is never for self-use.
Do I need a prescription for Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic)?
Yes, Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic) is a prescription medicine. It is administered only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is not available for self-medication.
What precautions should I be aware of regarding Sodium Hyaluronate (viscoelastic)?
The main precaution is that if it is not fully removed from the eye after surgery, it can cause a temporary increase in eye pressure, usually on the first day after the operation. Your surgeon will monitor this closely.
References
- Use of viscoelastic substance in ophthalmic surgery – focus on sodium hyaluronate – PMC
- Viscoelastics – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – NIH
- 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.