Shaped ophthalmic inserts for treating dry eye syndrome

A solid pathogen free ophthalmic insert comprising as the sole therapeutically active agent a water soluble solid polymer;

• said insert having a dissolution time in lacrimal fluids of less than 24 hours and having a surface area of from about 5 to about 800 sq. mm., a length of from about 1-30 mm. and a width and height of from about 0.25 mm. to about 30 mm., said polymer being selected from the group consisting of a cellulose derivative, starch derivative, dextrose, polyalkylene glycol, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyethylene oxide, carboxyvinyl, and mixtures thereof.

A solid sterile ophthalmic insert in the form of a rod comprising as the sole therapeutically active agent a water soluble solid polymer;

• said insert having a dissolution time in lacrimal fluids of less than 24 hours and having a length of from about 2 to about 20 mm and a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm;
• said polymer being selected from the group consisting of a cellulose derivative, starch derivative, dextrose, polyalkylene glycol, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyethylene oxide, carboxyvinyl, and mixtures thereof.

A method of treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca comprising administering to the eye of a keratoconjunctivitis sicca patient a solid sterile ophthalmic insert consisting essentially of a water soluble solid polymer, as the sole therapeutically active agent having a surface area of from about 5 to about 800 sq. mm., a length of from about 1-30 mm. and a width and height of from about 0.25 mm. to about 30 mm., said polymer being selected from the group consisting of a cellulose derivative, natural gum, starch derivative, dextrose, polyalkylene glycol, polyvinylmethyl ether, polyethylene oxide, carboxyvinyl, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof.