Ophthalmic solution

Abstract

The ophthalmically compatible solution comprises: (a) about 0.005 to about 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Claiming priority This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 159,097, entitled "Ophthalmic Solutions," filed March 10, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. [Background technology]

[0002] During normal use, contact lenses become soiled or contaminated with a wide variety of compounds that can reduce the performance of the lenses. For example, contact lenses are soiled with biological materials such as proteins or lipids that are present in the tear fluid and adhere to the lens surface. Also, handling of contact lenses can cause sebum (skin oils), cosmetics, or other materials to soil the contact lenses. These biological and external contaminants can affect vision and patient comfort during use and at the end of the day. Therefore, it is important to use a lens care cleaning and disinfecting solution containing one or more cleaning ingredients to remove any debris from the lens surface for continued comfortable use. It can also be important that the lens care cleaning and disinfecting solution provide a level of ocular comfort or hydration to contact lens consumers, especially those diagnosed with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a condition often referred to as dry eye syndrome. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmically compatible solution comprises: (a) about 0.005 to about 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents. The ophthalmically compatible solution may be administered to a non-contact lens wearing eye, for example, to rewet the cornea.

[0004] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for reducing, alleviating, treating, or inhibiting a dry eye condition comprises administering to an affected eye of a patient an ophthalmically compatible solution comprising: (a) about 0.005 to about 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of erythritol, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents.

[0005] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a method of rewetting a cornea includes administering to the cornea an ophthalmically compatible solution comprising: (a) about 0.005 to about 2 wt. % hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1 wt. % erythritol, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents.

[0006] According to still further exemplary embodiments, a system useful as artificial tears or for rewetting or lubricating the cornea is provided, the system comprising a droplet dispenser capable of holding about 1 to about 30 ml of an ophthalmically compatible solution comprising: (a) about 0.005 to about 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of erythritol, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents.

[0007] According to still yet further exemplary embodiments, there is provided a use of an ophthalmically compatible solution for rewetting a cornea, the ophthalmically compatible solution comprising: (a) about 0.005 to about 2 wt. % hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1 wt. % erythritol, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents.

[0008] According to still yet further exemplary embodiments, there is provided a use of an ophthalmically compatible solution to reduce, alleviate, treat or inhibit a dry eye condition in a patient, the ophthalmically compatible solution comprising: (a) about 0.005 to about 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1% by weight of erythritol, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Various exemplary embodiments described herein include ophthalmologically compatible solutions useful as ophthalmic solutions, e.g., rewetting drops or eye drops that can be administered to an eye not wearing contact lenses (e.g., to rewet the cornea). Other exemplary embodiments described herein are also directed to ophthalmologically compatible solutions useful, e.g., to reduce, alleviate, treat, or inhibit dry eye conditions.

[0010] Dry eye, also commonly known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and dyslacrima, is a common ophthalmic disorder that affects millions of people. Patients with dry eye can experience a burning sensation, dryness, and persistent irritation. When severe, dry eye can seriously impair a person's vision and therefore impair affected individuals in activities such as driving. Certain diseases, such as Sjogren's disease, can manifest symptoms of dry eye. Also, as people age, the tear glands in the eye produce less moisture, which can lead to dry, inflamed, itchy, and gritty eyes.

[0011] Although dry eye appears to be attributable to a variety of underlying unrelated pathogenic causes, all presentations of the condition share a common effect, namely, the breakdown of the tear film at the anterior side of the eye, which generally leads to dehydration of the exposed outer surface of the eye and thus to the symptoms described above.

[0012] There are several approaches to the treatment of dry eye. One common approach has been to supplement the tear film of the eye with artificial tears throughout the day. Examples of alternative approaches to tears include the use of buffered isotonic saline solutions and aqueous solutions containing water-soluble polymers, which make the solution more viscous and therefore are not easily washed away by the eye through the washing action of tears.

[0013] Soft contact lenses have been available since the 1980s. While many people can wear contact lenses normally, many others can only wear contact lenses for short periods of time due to contact lens-related dry eye. Symptoms of this disorder include, for example, thin and / or unstable tear film, corneal staining, and subjective symptoms such as eye discomfort, burning / irritation, and dryness. Wearing contact lenses can cause the onset of these symptoms or exacerbate them. People with contact lens-related dry eye can generally wear contact lenses comfortably for only a limited period of time (e.g., less than 6 hours, sometimes less than 4 hours).

[0014] Hyaluronic acid is a non-immunogenic substance, and due to its viscoelastic and hydrophilic properties, hyaluronic acid has been used for many years as a vitreous humor or synovial fluid replacement agent in ophthalmic surgery, or as a support medium.In synovial fluid, hyaluronic acid solution acts as a lubricant to provide a protective environment for cells, and is therefore used to treat inflamed knee joints.For consumer use of products containing hyaluronic acid, manufacturers must sterilize the consumer product, and if used as an open multi-dose formulation, additional steps must be taken to preserve the formulation product.

[0015] Hyaluronic acid is a type of biopolymer that is known to be relatively sensitive to heat sterilization process. It is known that heat sterilization of hyaluronic acid accelerates the hydrolysis or oxidation of hyaluronic acid, thereby causing a significant and often harmful decrease in the average molecular weight of the biopolymer. In many pharmaceutical applications, a relatively low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid in the formulation is undesirable. Typically, a low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid does not provide the desired rheological properties of a high molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid. To compensate for the degradation of hyaluronic acid in the above-mentioned heat sterilization method, it is possible to start with hyaluronic acid having a molecular weight higher than the desired molecular weight. However, this adjustment causes inefficiency in the process, since the product yield of hyaluronic acid decreases as the average molecular weight of the biopolymer increases.

[0016] The exemplary embodiments described herein overcome the above-mentioned problems by formulating an improved sterile ophthalmologically compatible aqueous solution of hyaluronic acid or its salt, which can be subjected to sterilization without substantial degradation of hyaluronic acid.In particular, by combining hyaluronic acid with erythritol in the ophthalmic solution disclosed herein, the molecular weight reduction of hyaluronic acid over time when subjected to sterilization conditions such as autoclaving is statistically significantly better than that of ophthalmic solutions containing hyaluronic acid in the absence of erythritol.Thus, the ophthalmic solution disclosed herein with improved molecular weight reduction of hyaluronic acid advantageously exhibits less pH problems, less efficacy problems, improved viscosity, and less oxidation and thermal degradation, thereby resulting in higher stability and longer shelf life.In addition, the ophthalmic solution disclosed herein also advantageously exhibits higher resistance to any iron contained in the water used to prepare the solution, which is achieved by combining hyaluronic acid with erythritol, thereby providing a more robust solution.

[0017] According to one or more non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmic solution can be an ophthalmically compatible solution comprising: (a) about 0.005 to about 2 wt. % hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) about 0.01 to about 1 wt. % erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; and (d) one or more buffering agents.

[0018] The ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein contain at least about 0.005 to about 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. Hyaluronic acid is a well-known naturally occurring water-soluble biodegradable polymer composed of two alternatively linked sugars, D-glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, linked via alternating β-(1,4) and β-(1,3) glycosidic bonds. Hyaluronic acid is distinct from other glycosaminoglycans because it does not contain covalent bonds to proteins and sulfonic groups. Hyaluronic acid is ubiquitous in animals, with the highest concentrations found in soft connective tissues. It plays an important role for both mechanical and transport purposes in the body, for example, providing elasticity to joints and stiffness to vertebrate intervertebral discs, and is also an important component of the vitreous body of the eye.

[0019] Hyaluronic acid polymers are hydrophilic and have high viscosity in aqueous solutions at relatively low solute concentrations. Hyaluronic acid polymers often occur naturally as the sodium salt, sodium hyaluronate. Methods for preparing commercial hyaluronan and its salts are well known. Hyaluronan can be purchased, for example, from Seikagaku Company, Clear Solutions Biotech, Inc., Pharmacia Inc., Sigma Inc., HTL Biotechnology, Contipro, Bloomage Biotechnology Corporation, and many other suppliers. Hyaluronic acid has a repeating unit of the structure represented by the following formula: [ka] Thus, the repeating units in hyaluronic acid can be: [ka]

[0020] Generally, hyaluronic acid or its salts, such as sodium hyaluronate and potassium hyaluronate, may have from about 2 to about 1,500,000 disaccharide units. In one embodiment, the hyaluronic acid or its salts may have a weight average molecular weight in the range of about 10,000 to about 3,000,000 Daltons (Da), with the lower limit being about 10,000, about 20,000, about 30,000, about 40,000, about 50,000, about 60,000, about 70,000, about 80,000, about 90,000, about 100,000, about 200,000, about 300,000, and the lower limit being about 10,000, about 20,000, about 3 ... 0, about 400,000, about 500,000, or about 600,000 Da, with upper limits of about 200,000, about 300,000, about 400,000, about 500,000, about 600,000, about 700,000, about 800,000, about 900,000, about 1,000,000, or up to about 2,800,000 Da, any of the lower limits may be combined with any of the upper limits.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof is present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.005 to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. In another exemplary embodiment, hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof is present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution.

[0022] The ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein further contain erythritol. In an exemplary embodiment, erythritol is present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 1 wt %, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. In another exemplary embodiment, erythritol is present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt %, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. In another exemplary embodiment, erythritol is present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.08 to about 0.4 wt %, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution.

[0023] The ophthalmologically compatible solution disclosed herein further comprises an effective amount of one or more tonicity adjusting components.Suitable tonicity adjusting components include those that are conventionally used in ophthalmic products, such as various inorganic salts.In exemplary embodiments, suitable tonicity adjusting components include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and combinations thereof.The amount of one or more tonicity adjusting components is an effective amount to provide the solution with a desired degree of tonicity.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more tonicity adjusting components are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more tonicity adjusting components are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more tonicity adjusting components are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 0.08% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution.

[0025] The ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein further contain one or more buffering agents. The terms "buffering agent" and "buffer system" are understood to mean compounds that, alone or in combination with at least one other compound, provide a buffering system in a solution that exhibits buffering capacity (i.e., the ability to neutralize, within limits, either acids or bases (alkali) with relatively little or no change in the original pH). The term "buffering capacity" is understood to mean the number of millimoles (mM) of strong acid or base (or hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions, respectively) required to change the pH by one unit when added to one liter (standard unit) of buffer solution. The buffering capacity will depend on the type and concentration of the buffering agent components. The buffering capacity is measured from a starting pH of about 6 to about 8, or about 7.4 to about 8.4.

[0026] Suitable buffering agents include boric acid and its salts, such as sodium borate or potassium borate.Boric acid buffering agents also include buffering compounds, such as potassium tetraborate or potassium metaborate, which generate boric acid or its salts in solution.Boric acid buffering agents are known to enhance the effectiveness of certain polymeric biguanides.For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,758,595 describes a contact lens solution containing poly(hexamethylene biguanide), also known as PHMB or PAPB, which can show enhanced effectiveness when combined with boric acid buffering agents.Other suitable buffering agents include diglycine (glycylglycine) and sodium citrate.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more buffering agents are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 10% (w / w). In another exemplary embodiment, one or more buffering agents are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to about 5% (w / w). In another exemplary embodiment, one or more buffering agents are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.75 to about 2% (w / w).

[0028] The ophthalmologically compatible solution disclosed herein may further contain an effective amount of one or more lubricant components.Suitable lubricant components include, for example, those that are conventionally used in ophthalmic products.In an exemplary embodiment, suitable lubricant components include non-ionic diols such as glycerol and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more lubricant components are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more lubricant components are present in the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution.

[0030] In addition to the aforementioned components, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein may further contain one or more preservatives, comfort agents, pH adjusting agents, chelating agents, viscosity modifiers, demulcents, etc. For example, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein may further contain one or more comfort or cushioning components. The comfort components can condition the lens surface to make it more hydrophilic (more lipophilic) and / or act as ocular demulcents. The comfort components are believed to cushion the impact on the ocular surface during lens placement and also help to reduce eye irritation.

[0031] Suitable comfort ingredients include, for example, water-soluble natural gums, cellulose-derived polymers, and the like. Useful natural gums include guar gum, tragacanth gum, and the like. Useful cellulose-derived comfort ingredients include cellulose-derived polymers such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and the like. Some non-cellulose comfort ingredients include propylene glycol or glycerin. Comfort ingredients may be present in the solution in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 1% (w / w).

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the comfort agent believed to maintain a hydrated corneal surface is polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP is a linear or essentially linear homopolymer that contains at least 90% of repeat units derived from 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone monomers, with the remainder of the monomer composition comprising neutral monomers, such as vinyl or acrylate. Other synonyms for PVP include povidone, polyvidone, 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone, and 1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolionone (CAS Registry Number 9003-39-8). PVP can have a weight average molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 250,000, or about 30,000 to about 100,000. Such materials are sold under the trademarks PLASDONE® K-29 / 32, KOLLIDON®, e.g., KOLLIDON® K-30 or K-90, by various companies including ISP Technologies, Inc. It is also preferred to use pharmaceutical grade PVP.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein do not contain a surfactant. In an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein do not contain a non-ionic surfactant. In an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein do not contain one or more of a poloxamer and a poloxamine.

[0034] The ophthalmically compatible solution disclosed herein is physiologically compatible. Specifically, the solution must be "ophthalmically safe", i.e., the solution must be safe and comfortable for daily contact with the eye. An ophthalmically safe solution has a tonicity and pH that is compatible with the eye and contains materials and amounts thereof that are non-cytotoxic according to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards and US FDA regulations. The solution should be sterile in that the absence of microbial contaminants in the product prior to release must be statistically demonstrated to the extent necessary for such products.

[0035] In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein can have an osmolality ranging from at least about 200 mOsmol / kg to up to about 400 mOsmol / kg, or from about 250 to up to about 400 mOsmol / kg. In exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein can have an osmolality ranging from at least about 200 mOsmol / kg to up to about 300 mOsmol / kg, or from about 250 to up to about 300 mOsmol / kg. Ophthalmically compatible solutions are substantially isotonic or hypertonic (e.g., slightly hypertonic) and ophthalmically acceptable.

[0036] In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the ophthalmically compatible solutions disclosed herein can have a pH within a pH range of about 4.0 to about 9.0, or about 5.0 to about 8.0, or about 6.0 to about 8.0, or about 6.5 to about 7.8.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmically compatible solution disclosed herein may be administered to an eye not wearing a contact lens, for example to rewet the cornea. In an exemplary embodiment, the ophthalmically compatible solution disclosed herein may be formulated as eye drops to relieve eye irritation. Examples of eye drops are topical artificial tears and lubricants for dry eye that are available over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. These tear substitutes increase the moisture and improve lubrication of the ocular surface. In addition, artificial tears have the effect of lubricating the corneal surface of dry eye patients, contributing to improved vision.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for reducing, alleviating, treating, or inhibiting a dry eye condition, comprising administering to an affected eye of a patient an ophthalmologically compatible solution as disclosed herein.

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of rewetting a cornea, the method comprising administering an ophthalmologically compatible rewetting solution as disclosed herein.

[0040] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a system useful as artificial tears or for rewetting or lubricating the cornea comprises a droplet dispenser capable of holding from about 1 to about 30 ml of an ophthalmically compatible solution disclosed herein.

[0041] The following examples are provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention and are merely illustrative and should not be read as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0042] Example 1 Preparation of an ophthalmically compatible solution suitable for rewetting the cornea. Amounts are in weight percent or ppm based on the total weight of the solution with purified water qs to 100% by weight.

[0043] A first solution was prepared by adding boric acid (0.6 wt%), sodium borate (0.25 wt%), potassium chloride (0.21 wt%), erythritol (0.3 wt%), and glycerol (0.5 wt%). Samples of the solution were then heated to either 40° C. or 75° C.

[0044] After cooling to room temperature, sodium hyaluronate (0.15% by weight) was added and stirred overnight.

[0045] For the sake of brevity, the various features of the ophthalmically compatible solution disclosed herein are described in the context of a single embodiment, but may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. All combinations of the embodiments are specifically encompassed by the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, as if each and every combination were individually and expressly disclosed herein. In addition, all subcombinations listed in the embodiments describing such variables are also specifically encompassed by the composition, and are disclosed herein, as if each and every such subcombination were individually and expressly disclosed herein.

[0046] It will be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Thus, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as an example of a preferred embodiment. For example, the functions implemented as the best mode for operating the invention described above are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art can implement other configurations and methods without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Moreover, those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the features and advantages added herein.

Claims

1. 1. An ophthalmologically compatible solution comprising: (a) 0.005 to 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) 0.01 to 1% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; (d) one or more buffering agents.

2. 2. The ophthalmically compatible solution of claim 1, wherein the hyaluronic acid or salt thereof has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 100,000 to 3,000,000 Daltons (Da).

3. 0.01 to 0.2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmologically compatible solution; 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; 0.01 to 5% by weight of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; 3. An ophthalmically compatible solution according to claim 1 or 2, comprising 0.1-10% (w / w) of said one or more buffering agents.

4. 4. An ophthalmically compatible solution according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more buffering agents comprises boric acid or a salt thereof.

5. (a) 0.01 to 0.2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmologically compatible solution; (b) 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) 0.01 to 1 wt. % of the sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof, based on a total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution.

6. (a) 0.01 to 0.2% by weight of sodium hyaluronate, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (b) 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) 0.01 to 1% by weight of potassium chloride, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (d) 0.1-10% (w / w) of boric acid and sodium borate. (a) 0.005 to 2% by weight of hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof, based on the total weight of the ophthalmologically compatible solution; (b) 0.01 to 1% by weight of erythritol, based on the total weight of the ophthalmically compatible solution; (c) sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or any combination thereof; (d) one or more buffering agents; and (e) glycerol; (f) water.

8. An ophthalmologically compatible solution according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the form of eye drops.

9. 10. A method for reducing, alleviating, treating or inhibiting a dry eye condition, the method comprising administering to an affected eye of a patient an ophthalmologically compatible solution according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 9. A method of rewetting the cornea, the method comprising administering to the cornea an ophthalmically compatible solution according to any one of claims 1 to 8.