The first known cornea transplantation is claimed to be performed in 1905 by Eduard Zirm (at the Olomouc Eye Clinic, now the Czech Republic), making it one of the first types of transplant surgery successfully performed. There is information in the literature, however, that back in the 1970s, the implantation of the lens inside the eye was often followed by severe edema, due to cell damage during the surgery. The need for a viscous, clear, physiologic lubricant to prevent such cells from scraping was getting evident. The first HA products are reportedly developed in the 1970s and 1980s and later approved for use in eye surgery in a variety of ways.

Nowadays, special hyaluronan solutions, known as ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs), are widely used in surgery on the surface and inside the eye to prevent dryness and to stimulate faster-wound healing. Medical grade hyaluronic acid and a number of its derivatives facilitate procedures, including vitreoretinal surgery, cataract surgery, anterior segment surgery, glaucoma surgery, and corneal transplantation.

In some cases, these products could be directly injected into the eye during surgical procedures to maintain the shape of the eye.

Other hyaluronic acid-based biomedical products (various kinds of eye cells and tissue implants or substitutes) have also been showing excellent biocompatibility, and tolerance, and encouraging efficacy in ophthalmic surgery. Some of them have been extensively studied and approved others are still being investigated in the long process of official clinical confirmation and results in verification.

Apart from its surgical application, hyaluronic acid in an aqueous solution, under the form of artificial tears, has proved to be an effective means of reducing dry eye symptoms and improving the vitality of the eye cells.

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The process of gradual accumulation of unfavorable biological and physical changes in a person over time is referred to as aging. Although the complete biological basis of aging is still not completely revealed, and plenty of theories are in competition for the best explanation, recent research has confirmed that some substances can retard, or even reverse most of those profound processes.

One of the best and most popular remedies is Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body, which is abundant in our bodies at the beginning of our lives. It plays multiple important biochemical roles and is the filler and cushioning agent in many parts of the body. It has been reported that its manufacture is gradually decreasing over time and this reduction could play an important role in the aging process.

As we age HA body concentration is diminishing, which is why our aging has physical effects. Research has shown that there is an estimated 50% deficit of the necessary amount for optimal body cell functioning of the content of HA by the time we reach our mid-40s. This process is getting increasingly visible and our skin starts to lose its elasticity, with lines and wrinkles forming.

There are many reports and clinical studies indicating the beneficial effects of HA applications, whereas no data support the claim that HA products cause cancer. Recent research highlights that the interactions between hyaluronan and tumor cells indicate a possibility of new therapeutic strategies and would even offer a new anti-cancer strategy.

Hyaluronic acid possesses anti-oxidative properties and high water-holding capacity, ensuring the optimal hydration of the skin and hair. Roughly calculated, it could retain over 1000 times its weight in water within the cells of the skin, which places it among the best existing moisturizers. HA causes a rise in the fluid in between the cells, binding with water molecules. What is more, it helps to maintain optimal collagen levels. Collagen depletion is widely considered a leading factor for the loss of skin elasticity, something that relates closely to the visual consequences of the aging process. Its proper application in the correct quantities leads to increased smoothness, softening, and decreased wrinkles.

Furthermore, it is claimed that cosmetic-grade hyaluronic acid can remove harmful waste matter from cells, thus improving their function and overall blood circulation. In addition, it is a vital component of the connective tissue, which provides strength and flexibility to many parts of the body, such as the cartilage, blood vessels, and skin. Altogether, that can transform completely our appearance, making us healthy, productive, and youthful. The bettered muscular strength and mental alertness, cause us to look and feel more active, energized, and mobile.

HA is now widely available in the form of various anti-aging treatments and supplements, skin creams, and injectables. The most common application for micro HA is cosmetic procedures such as the elimination of skin defects and wrinkles.

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