To analyse the influence of hyaluronate (HA) on the cell vitality of human conjunctival cells after chemical injuries from NaOH or alkali-containing household cleaners.,Human conjunctival cells (Chang cells) were incubated either with NaOH solutions or dilutions of household cleaners. HA (0.025%) was added to the cell culture medium of part of the cells subsequent to chemical injuring. After 24 h the cell vitality of the HA-incubated cells, determined by MTS assay (Cell Titer 96(R) Aqueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay), was compared to the control cells without HA addition.,The addition of HA to the cell culture medium subsequent to chemical injuring resulted in a significantly lower decrease in cell vitality (mean difference: 11.79; p = 0.00; CI = 98%).,Because HA attenuates the decrease in cell vitality of alkali-damaged human conjunctival cells, formulations containing HA may be recommended for the treatment of chemical injuries to the anterior part of the eye.