The present invention relates to methods and formulations for treating ophthalmic diseases and / or causing posterior vitreous separation or detachment. Preparations containing a) urea, b) urea derivatives (e.g. hydroxyurea, thiourea), c) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, d) antimetabolites, e) urea, urea derivatives, non-enzymatic proteins, nuclear Glycosides, nucleotides and their derivatives (such as adenine, adenosine, cytosine, cytidine, guanine, guanidine, guanidine salt, thymidine, thymidine, uracil, uracil, cystine ), uric acid, aspirin calcium, ammonium sulfate or other compounds capable of causing non-enzymatic dissolution of the vitreous membrane, or e) any possible combination thereof; the preparation is administered into the eye in a therapeutically effective amount.