[Initial experiences with Healon]

Healon, a product of Hyaluronic acid which has recently become available, has been used in anterior segment surgery. Despite the fact that optimistic results have been published the authors' aim was to evaluate the use of Healon in animal experiments as well as in clinical surgery. The following five questions were asked: (1) Is it possible to destroy the gel-like structure of Healon by ultrasound? (2) Is it possible to make Healon visible intraocularly by staining methods? (3) Is the protection of corneal endothelial cells by Healon demonstrable? (4) Does the use of Healon cause an increase in intraocular pressure after surgery? (5) Is the use of Healon in ophthalmic surgery an advantage? The results showed that with the exception of question 1, all the above mentioned questions can be answered.