Method of treating dry eye disorders and uveitis

A method for the treatment of dry eye or uveitis in a mammal, which comprises topically administering to the eye of the mammal a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I:

• wherein
• R1 is C2H5, CO2R, or a carboxylate salt of formula CO2−R+;
• R+ is Li+, Na+, K+, or NH4+;
• R is H, CH3, C2H5, n-C3H7, or i-C3H7;
• and
• R7, R8, R9 are H;
• or R7 and R8 or R8 and R9 together constitute a carbonyl group (C═O), thus forming a cyclic carbonate;
• or OR8R1 together form a lactone.