Abstract: Disclosed is a process for heat sterilizing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foodstuffs and other materials, which are labile to oxidation by atmospheric oxygen at elevated temperature and labile to other degradative changes through interaction with volatiles raised by exposure of the material to elevated temperature, comprising heating, for a given length of time, the material to be sterilized at a temperature required to achieve a predetermined degree of sterilization in a gaseous medium substantially devoid of oxygen; typically such a gaseous medium comprises a non reactive gas, such as, nitrogen, which is otherwise innocuous and capable of being purged at the end of the sterilization process at a pressure sufficient to facilitate the distribution of heat throughout the material being treated by convection.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solution is disclosed comprising an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and, optionally, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The ophthalmic solution is used in treating dry eye syndrome due to insufficient tear production in humans and mammals, and as an ocular lubricant for inflamed eyes.