Use of Na-hyaluronate in auto-corneal transplantation in rabbits

Some of the distressing results found in eyes with clear corneal transplants are secondary glaucoma due to anterior synechiae, a high degree of astigmatism, and loss of large numbers of endothelial cells. In an attempt to decrease these complications, auto corneal transplantation was performed in each eye of fifteen rabbits. Na-hyaluronate, a clear viscous solution, was instilled in one eye prior to suture closure and balanced salt solution was placed in the control eye during suture closure. During the 4-week postoperative period, it was observed that the eyes treated with Na-hyaluronate showed a statistically significant decrease in corneal edema, a lower incidence of anterior synechiae, and a decrease in astigmatism which did not meet rigid statistical significance.