Where is Sodium Hyaluronate used?

Sodium Hyaluronate is a type of medicine as an eye lubricant. This is mostly prescribed by doctors used to relieve eye soreness and dryness. The Food and Drug Administration has approved this prescription because it provides soothing relief from the symptoms of dry eyes. The symptoms are particularly;

• Irritation
• Soreness
• Gritty sensations

These occur due to your eye is not producing enough tears to keep the eye moist. Other reasons might be;

• Prolonged used of computer screens
• Certain medical treatments or conditions
• Drying atmosphere conditions (central heating, air-conditioning, or atmospheric pollution)

How does Sodium Hyaluronate work?

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally found all over the body. It is a thick elastic polymer particularly in areas of the body that need lubrication. When this medication is applied, it forms a transparent film that coats the surface of the eyeball. The film is capable of holding on to water molecules in tears that help keep the eyeball moist. It also helps remain stable if you blink and provides lasting lubrication for the eyes.

How is Sodium Hyaluronate taken?

• Before you use the drops, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Remove the cap from the bottle or if you are using a single-use unit, remove the tip of the unit.
• Lean your head back a bit and pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
• Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye and try not to touch your eye.
• Put on sufficient force to release one drop into your eye. Use another drop only if the first one is missed by going into your eye.
• Close your eye for a minute and press mildly on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
• Repeat the procedure in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
• Replace the cap or throw the used unit away if you are using a single-use dose unit.

What are the possible side effects of Sodium Hyaluronate?

• Eye pain
• Eye irritation
• Change in eyesight
• Weakness
• Swelling of eyelids
• Itching of skin

What are the precautions in using Sodium Hyaluronate?

• Make sure that this prescription is right for you. If in doubt, you can ask and consult your doctor before using Sodium Hyaluronate.
• Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a preservative in eye drops or if you have any allergies.
• Tell your healthcare team if you are using a product that contains chlorhexidine or ammonium salts.
• If you have prescriptions, non-prescription medication, vitamins, herbal products, or food supplements, inform also your doctor or healthcare team.  You should not be worried if you forget to use the drops at your usual time, apply for the medicine as soon as you remember it. Do not double the number of drops you use to make up for the missed one.
• Eye drops may cause blurred vision. Before you drive or use any tools or machines, make sure you can see clearly.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using the drops unless it is advised otherwise. There is a preservative in bottles of eye drops that may affect soft contact lenses.