BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring biopolymer that has important functions in many parts of the body, also present in the structures of human eyes. It is a glycosaminoglycan consisting of repeating disaccharide units of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and sodium-D-glucuronate. It is a powerful humectant as it is capable of binding 1,800 times its own weight in water. Its main physical characteristic is viscoelasticity

CLINICAL USE

Solutions of sodium hyaluronate have been used for many years in ophthalmic surgery; to ¬ maintain the shape of the eye, to cover surgical instruments and to protect the corneal endothelium from damage.

They have unique physical properties that make them ideal for use in the treatment of sensations of ocular dryness.

It is used as a moisturizing agent, viscosifier and emulsifier

MODE OF ACTION

It forms a transparent film on the skin which has a soothing and lubricating action.

STRUCTURE: