Abstract: This invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating cornea pathologies. Specifically, aspects of the invention are drawn to a biomolecule and methods of using the same to treat cornea pathologies that affect tissue innervation.

Abstract: The topical administration of a combination of nerve growth factor (NGF) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been discovered to synergistically increase the effects of NGF in re-innervating the cornea. This enhancement in corneal nerve re-growth will yield a faster anatomical and functional recovery after PRK or LASIK surgeries. Using rabbits, the application of NGF and DHA resulted in increased corneal nerve surface area, increased epithelial proliferation, and decreased rose bengal staining as compared with NGF, DHA, or vehicle control individually. The topical application of NGF plus DHA in accelerating the re-innervation after PRK or LASIK, will help avoid or alleviate the symptoms of dry eye or other neurotrophic keratopathies due to corneal injuries. The topical application can be by using a corneal shield or lens. This treatment will also be useful in other corneal abnormalities including those caused by chemical burn, congenital corneal neuropathy, or acquired corneal neuropathy.