Method for enhancing healing of corneal endothelial wounds

Abstract

Method using a non-steroidal antiinflammatory compound, such as indomethacin and/or a growth factor that causes a change in cell function when bound to a specific cell surface receptor, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), to enhance healing and restore function of the corneal endothelium. The compositions can be administered alone, in combination, or in sequence, before or after injury, for example, in an irrigation solution or in combination with a nutritive solution for storage of a cornea prior to transplant. Examples of useful growth factors include, in addition to EGF and EGF-like compounds, fragments of EGF containing the receptor binding region, and EGF modified to improve stability, increase half-life, or enhance permeation into the eye. Examples of other non-steroidal antiinflammatories include aspirin, ibuprofen, and suprofen. The composition can be applied topically to the eye or delivered in a controlled fashion by means of a material such as a polymeric implant, gel, or liposomes. The effective dosage is that amount which promotes closure of corneal endothelial tissue and restores function, i.e., restores permeability, including both barrier function and pumping function.