The use of sodium hyaluronate (Healon) in intracapsular cataract extraction with insertion of anterior chamber intraocular lenses.

Intracapsular cataract extraction with insertion of anterior chamber intraocular lens was carried out on 40 subjects. In 21 procedures, balanced salt solution or air was used to deepen the anterior chamber. In 19 procedures, Hyaluronic Acid (Healon) was used to deepen the anterior chamber. In the two groups, no significant difference was noted in the endothelial cell count or in the corneal thickness. The surgeon felt that Healon made the surgery much easier, gave better control and greatly decreased the possibility of serious complications.