What is Discovisc (sodium hyaluronate) 1% ophthalmic injection?

Discovisc 1% Ophthalmic Injection: Sodium Hyaluronate for Ocular Procedures

Discovisc (sodium hyaluronate) 1% ophthalmic injection is a viscoelastic ophthalmic lubricant used during eye surgeries to maintain space, protect ocular tissues, and facilitate surgical procedures.

Composition and Properties

• Discovisc contains 1% sodium hyaluronate, a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan found in the vitreous humor of the eye 1
• The high molecular weight and viscoelastic properties of sodium hyaluronate make it ideal for maintaining space in the anterior chamber during ophthalmic procedures 1
• Sodium hyaluronate has both cohesive and dispersive properties that help protect the corneal endothelium during surgical manipulation 2

Clinical Applications

• Used during anterior segment procedures including cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation 3
• Helps maintain a deep anterior chamber during ophthalmic surgery, providing better visualization and working space 3
• Protects the corneal endothelium from mechanical trauma during surgical procedures 4
• Facilitates intraocular lens implantation by creating and maintaining space 3

Administration Technique

• Applied via intracameral injection during ophthalmic surgical procedures 3
• Administered using a sterile technique with appropriate anesthesia 3
• Typical administration includes:
  • Confirming and marking the eye for injection 3
  • Applying topical anesthetic 3
  • Using a sterile technique for injection 3
  • Injecting the appropriate volume into the anterior chamber 3

Clinical Benefits

• Maintains space in the anterior chamber during surgical procedures 1, 4
• Protects ocular tissues from mechanical trauma during surgery 4
• Improves visibility for the surgeon during the procedure 2
• Helps reduce postoperative inflammation and corneal edema 4

Important Considerations

• Must be removed from the eye at the end of the surgical procedure to prevent postoperative intraocular pressure elevation 3
• Should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing glaucoma or ocular hypertension 3
• Not intended for repeated or long-term use as an ocular lubricant outside of surgical settings 1

Distinguishing from Other Hyaluronic Acid Products

• Unlike sodium hyaluronate eye drops (0.1-0.3%) used for dry eye treatment, Discovisc 1% has a higher concentration specifically formulated for surgical use 1, 2
• Different from intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections (Hyalectin) used for osteoarthritis treatment 5
• Not to be confused with preservative-free hyaluronate drops used for routine lubrication in dry eye conditions 6

Safety Profile

• Generally well-tolerated when used appropriately during ophthalmic procedures 4
• Transient increases in intraocular pressure may occur if not completely removed after surgery 3
• Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sodium hyaluronate 4