Raised intraocular pressure and other problems with sodium hyaluronate and cataract surgery.

Raised intraocular pressure is confirmed to be the principal complication following the use of sodium hyaluronate in cataract surgery and the value of the 'piping technique' limiting the use of sodium hyaluronate to the wound edges is demonstrated in reducing this hypertensive response. Difficulties with technique, differentiation between vitreous and sodium hyaluronate, damping effects and has dissipation fall into the category of problems rather than complications. A double cannula is described to remove as much sodium hyaluronate as possible at the end of surgery.