Are you or someone in your family scheduled to have eye surgery? It could be cataract surgery. In such cases, doctors use a special liquid medicine to protect the delicate tissues of the eye during the surgery and to make the surgery easier. One such medicine is sodium hyaluronate. Although the name may sound a bit complicated, there is nothing to be afraid of. Let’s talk about it simply today.
What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Simply put, sodium hyaluronate is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. It is especially abundant in our eyes, skin, and joints. Think of it like grease for our joints and a cushion for the delicate parts inside our eyes.
In medicine, this natural substance is purified and made into a thick, gel-like, transparent liquid. Doctors call this a 'viscoelastic' substance. That means it can stay in one place and stretch when needed. That's why it's so popular in eye surgery.
What are the benefits of this in eye surgery?
Eye surgery is a delicate operation. The ophthalmic surgeon works very carefully. This is where sodium hyaluronate comes to the rescue.
| Main benefit | What happens to it? |
|---|---|
| Tissue protection | It acts as a shield to protect sensitive parts of the eye, such as the cornea, from damage by the delicate instruments used during surgery. |
| Creating a space | It creates the necessary space inside the eye to perform surgery. For example, it maintains the space needed to remove a cataract and insert an artificial lens (intraocular lens). |
| Maintaining eye shape | This gel helps to reduce intraocular pressure during surgery, preventing the eye from collapsing and maintaining the eye's natural spherical shape. |
Because of this, it has become indispensable in many eye surgeries, such as cataract removal, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplants.
Important things to tell your doctor
Although this medication is used by a doctor in the operating room, it is extremely important to give the doctor a complete description of your health condition before the surgery.
- Glaucoma: If you have glaucoma, which means that your intraocular pressure is already high, you should tell your doctor about it. Because the eye pressure may temporarily increase slightly after using sodium hyaluronate. If your doctor is aware of this, he or she will take the necessary measures.
- Allergies: Be sure to mention if you have any allergies to sodium hyaluronate or any other medication, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor. Any medication should be used with caution in these situations.
- Other eye conditions: If you have any other eye conditions or vision problems, talk to your doctor about them.
Discussing all of this clearly with the doctor before surgery is very important for your safety and the success of the surgery.
How do I use this? Are there any side effects?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. It is only used in the operating theatre. An experienced eye surgeon will carefully inject it into your eye during the operation. So you don't need to worry about how to use it.
Now let's look at the side effects. Since this is similar to a substance in our own body, serious side effects are very rare. However, sometimes minor things can happen.
- Temporary increase in eye pressure: This is the most common side effect. The pressure inside the eye may increase slightly during the first 24-72 hours after surgery. But don't worry, your doctor is aware of this. This pressure will also be measured when you are examined after surgery. If necessary, medication will be given for it.
- Minor eye pain or inflammation: You may experience some minor pain, inflammation, or redness after surgery. These usually subside within a few days.
When should you call the doctor?
When you get home after surgery, keep an eye out for these symptoms.
If you experience severe eye pain, sudden blurred vision, headache, nausea or vomiting , it could be a sign of an abnormal increase in eye pressure. Call your surgeon immediately, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU).
Is it possible to overdose on the drug?
Since this is administered in a very controlled manner by a doctor in the operating room, the chances of an 'overdose', that is, an overdose, are very low . The medical team knows exactly the amount needed. If there is any doubt about such a thing, it will be managed in the hospital itself. You don't need to worry about it. If you need advice in any way, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital and get advice.
Take-Home Message
- Sodium hyaluronate is a safe drug that is similar to a substance found in our own body and is used to protect the delicate parts of the eye during eye surgery.
- This is not a medicine you can use at home. It is only used during surgery, by the surgeon.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially glaucoma conditions and allergies, before surgery.
- It is normal for the pressure in your eye to temporarily increase after surgery. Your doctor will monitor this closely.
- If you experience severe eye pain, significant changes in vision, or a headache after returning home, notify your doctor or the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
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