Abstract: An ophthalmic composition is described for the treatment of dry eye syndrome in a human or mammal. The composition comprises an aqueous solution including an effective amount of silk protein. The aqueous solution comprises from about 0.01% by weight to about 30% by weight of the silk protein. In one embodiment, the silk protein may be fibroin. A method of treating an eye having an ocular surface is also described. The method comprises providing an ophthalmic composition comprising an aqueous solution including an effective amount of silk protein, and administering the ophthalmic composition topically to the ocular surface.