Abstract: A method for treating corneal endothelial wounds comprises administering TGF-.alpha. to the region of the wound in an amount sufficient to promote the healing of endothelial cells.TGF-.alpha. advantageously is administered into the anterior chamber during ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as during intra-ocular lens implantation. The TGF-.alpha. preferably is administered as an active ingredient in an ophthalmological viscoelastic composition which improves the residence time of the growth factor in the anterior chamber.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the oxidation of a polypeptide in a liquid or semi-solid pharmaceutical or therapeutic preparation, the polypeptides having an amino acid sequence comprising at least one methionine residue, wherein the amino acid methionine is added in a sufficient amount to inhibit the oxidation of the methionine residue(s) to methionine sulfoxide.

Abstract: A method for making a biosoluble collagen or gelatin ophthalmic shield, which optionally contains a pharmaceutically active agent, by casting collagen or gelatin in a mold; chilling the mold with the collagen or gelatin shield until the shield is strong enough to allow the mold to be opened without deforming the shield in one half of the mold; drying the collagen or gelatin shield while it is still in the mold; and then cross-linking the collagen or gelatin shield to achieve the desired solubility. The resulting shield can be worn comfortably in the eye and leaves no observable material after complete dissolution and drug release.

Abstract: A low or high refractive index corneal inlay optical lens adapted to be inserted between the layers of a cornea to correct refractive errors in eyesight, wherein the implanted lens is of a size or configuration that permits unimpeded passage of nutrients and gases throughout the corneal layers and wherein the composition of the lens relative to that of the surrounding stromal tissue is such that multi-refractive indices may be created and multi-focal corrections are possible.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices are prepared for subepithelial implantation by coating their surfaces with a coating comprising crosslinked or uncrosslinked fibronectin. If the surface of the device comprises a material which does not normally bind fibronectin, it is pretreated, for example, by coating with poly(L-lysine). The coated prosthetic device is implanted by removing a portion of the epithelium, affixing the coated device to the subepithelial tissue optionally replacing all or part of the removed epithelium, and allowing new epithelial tissue to grow over and affix itself to the surface of the prosthetic device. The method of the invention can be used to implant contact lenses permanently beneath the epithelium of the cornea.

Abstract: Wound healing dressings are prepared by flocculating fibronectin, a biologically active fragment or an analog thereof to produce a water-swellable gel. The gels, in the form of sheets, strips, wedges, strands or I-shaped cross-sections, are especially useful in promoting the healing of corneal, scleral dermal, incisional wounds or lesions. They can be used to enhance the results obtained in keratorefractive surgeries and the healing scleral incision for intraocular surgery.

Abstract: Improved healing of wounds, particularly wounds of the eye, such as keratorefractive surgical incisions, is obtained by coating the wound surfaces with a solution containing a protein crosslinking compound such as dimethyl pimelimidate dihydrochloride, followed by treatment with a composition containing an extracellular matrix material such as fibronectin, a biologically active fragment or an analog thereof.

Abstract: Wound healing dressings are prepared by flocculating fibronectin, a biologically active fragment or an analog thereof to produce a water-swellable gel. The gels, in the form of sheets, strips, wedges, strands or I-shaped cross-sections, are especially useful in promoting the healing of corneal, scleral dermal, incisional wounds or lesions. They can be used to enhance the results obtained in keratorefractive surgeries and the healing scleral incision for intraocular surgery.