Abstract: A composition for opththalmic administration comprising a formaldehyde releasing agent, sodium bicarbonate, and an ophthalmically suitable carrier or excipient is provided.

Abstract: A composition for opththalmic administration comprising a formaldehyde releasing agent, sodium bicarbonate, and an ophthalmically suitable carrier or excipient is provided.

Abstract: A composition for opththalmic administration comprising a formaldehyde releasing agent, sodium bicarbonate, and an ophthalmically suitable carrier or excipient is provided.

Abstract: A method of cross-linking collagen present in a collagenous tissue comprising contacting the collagenous tissue with an amount of a formaldehyde releasing agent effective to crosslink the collagen is provided. A method of inhibiting loss of structural integrity of a collagenous tissue during transplantation-related transport comprising contacting the collagenous tissue with an amount of a formaldehyde releasing agent effective to inhibit loss of structural integrity of the collagenous tissue is also provided. A composition for ophthalmic administration comprising a formaldehyde releasing agent, sodium bicarbonate, and ophthalmically suitable carriers or excipients is also provided. Finally, a method of altering the refractive power of a cornea comprising contacting the cornea with a formaldehyde releasing agent so as to effect cross-linking in the cornea and thereby alter the refractive power of the cornea is provided.

Abstract: A method of cross-linking collagen present in a collagenous tissue comprising contacting the collagenous tissue with an amount of a formaldehyde releasing agent effective to crosslink the collagen is provided. A method of inhibiting loss of structural integrity of a collagenous tissue during transplantation-related transport comprising contacting the collagenous tissue with an amount of a formaldehyde releasing agent effective to inhibit loss of structural integrity of the collagenous tissue is also provided. A composition for ophthalmic administration comprising a formaldehyde releasing agent, sodium bicarbonate, and ophthalmically suitable carriers or excipients is also provided. Finally, a method of altering the refractive power of a cornea comprising contacting the cornea with a formaldehyde releasing agent so as to effect cross-linking in the cornea and thereby alter the refractive power of the cornea is provided.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing collagenous eye tissues by nitrite and nitroalcohol treatment. The topical stiffening agent contains sodium nitrite or a nitroalcohol in a buffered balanced salt solution and can be applied to the surface of the eye on a daily basis for a prolonged period. Application of the solution results in progressive stabilization of the corneal and scleral tissues through non-enzymatic cross-linking of collagen fibers. The compounds can penetrate into the corneal stroma without the need to remove the corneal epithelium. In addition, ultraviolet light is not needed to activate the cross-linking process. The resulting stabilization of corneal and scleral tissues can prevent future alterations in corneal curvature and has utility in diseases such as keratoconus, keratectasia, progressive myopia, and glaucoma.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing collagenous eye tissues by nitrite and nitroalcohol treatment. The topical stiffening agent contains sodium nitrite or a nitroalcohol in a buffered balanced salt solution and can be applied to the surface of the eye on a daily basis for a prolonged period. Application of the solution results in progressive stabilization of the corneal and scleral tissues through non-enzymatic cross-linking of collagen fibers. The compounds can penetrate into the corneal stroma without the need to remove the corneal epithelium. In addition, ultraviolet light is not needed to activate the cross-linking process. The resulting stabilization of corneal and scleral tissues can prevent future alterations in corneal curvature and has utility in diseases such as keratoconus, keratectasia, progressive myopia, and glaucoma.