Abstract: The invention concerns ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions in microemulsion capable of carrying liposoluble or poorly water-soluble active ingredients, containing an emulsifying agent consisting of d-?-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), an oily component consisting of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and an ophthalmologically acceptable aqueous phase. The invention further concerns ophthalmic compositions for use a tear substitute, formulated similarly to the previous compositions but without a pharmaceutically active ingredient and containing, in the aqueous phase, polysaccharide polymers or cellulose derivatives known as components for artificial tears. The described preparations are self-emulsifying systems (SMEDDS) characterized by a high stability and by a particularly low concentration of surfactant, and are suitable for topical ocular administration.