Ophthalmic compositions with improved dessication protection and retention

Abstract

The present invention relates to artificial tear compositions and ophthalmic compositions suitable for drug delivery, In one embodiment of the present invention; the compositions comprise a galactomannan polymer such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar, hyaluronic acid, and a cis-diol such as sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also comprise a borate compound.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An ophthalmic composition comprising 0.1 to 0.2 w/v % hydroxylpropyl guar, and 0.13 to 0.17 w/v % hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
         18 . An ophthalmic composition according to  claim 17  comprising 0.17 to 0.18 w/v % hydroxylpropyl guar, and 0.13 to 0.17 w/v % sodium hyaluronate. 
     
     
         19 . An ophthalmic composition according to  claim 17  further comprising a borate, wherein said borate is boric acid. 
     
     
         20 . An ophthalmic composition according to  claim 17  further comprising a demulcent selected from the group consisting of: glycerin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyacrylic acid, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         21 . An ophthalmic composition according to  claim 20 , wherein said demulcent is polypropylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. 
     
     
         22 . An ophthalmic composition according to  claim 17  further comprising a pharmaceutically active compound. 
     
     
         23 . An ophthalmic composition according to  claim 22 , for use in treating ophthalmic disease. 
     
     
         24 . An ophthalmic composition for use according to  claim 23 , wherein the ophthalmic disease is dry eye.