2 · Matrix, regenerative agents & supportive devices
Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) — eye drops
Review — modulators of corneal healing › 2 · Matrix, regenerative agents & supportive devices › Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) — eye drops
Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) — eye drops
0.1% to 0.3% · with or without preservative (Hylo, Vismed, Hyabak…)
Oxford I–II
Moderate
Present · universal
Mechanism of actionA pro-migratory effect mediated by the CD44 receptor (and RHAMM): adhesion, spreading, and directed migration of epithelial cells; viscoelastic mucoadhesive rheological effect (hydration, prolonged tear break-up time, protection); mild free-radical scavenging effect.
IndicationsAdjunct to healing: superficial abrasions, post-PRK/cataract surgery, PEDs, dry-eye/diabetic epitheliopathy, surface protection.
Route & dosageTopical, 4–6×/day (up to hourly); 0.3% for severe involvement; preservative-free formulations preferred with frequent dosing.
Level of evidenceOxford I–II (RCTs, meta-analysis for abrasion/post-PRK) · Scale: Moderate (real but modest effect, adjunctive role).
| FDA | Marketed as an OTC lubricant (and surgical viscoelastic device); no dedicated "corneal wound-healing drug" approved as such. |
|---|---|
| EU MA | Mostly CE-marked devices (lubricant/support products) — OTC and prescription. |
| France | Widely available (numerous brands; sometimes reimbursed depending on indication). |
| USA | Available (OTC). |
| Asia | Major market (Japan/Korea/China — standard of care). |
Key studies: Vejdani et al., RCT on abrasion (Drug Des Devel Ther 2015) ; Nakamura et al. (CD44/migration) — PMID 10571300 ; post-PRK RCTs.
See also: Gabison E. “Corneal wound-healing agents”. In: SFO 2023 Report — Médicaments et biothérapies en ophtalmologie, chapter 21. Full text, open access (in French).