Sodium Hyaluronate Drops Improve Ocular Surface Damage

In a study of approximately 50 patients with medium to severe dry eye, Italian researchers have found that eye drops containing sodium hyaluronate, which is known to improve symptoms of dry eyes, also may improve the ocular surface damage that typically occurs from dry eye syndrome. The researchers are not certain why the damage is improved but hypothesize that hyaluronate activates CD44 expressed on corneal and cunjunctival cells, controls the localized inflammation, promotes an environment in which repair can occur, or reduces friction during blinking. (Br J Opthalmol 2002: 86:!81-184)

Return to Main Listing