Hydration compositions for corneal pre-surgery treatment

Compositions and methods for corneal tissue treatment prior to surgery are disclosed. It has been discovered that an important factor contributing to the variance between predicted and actual results in both photoablation and mechanical resection of corneal tissue is the degree of hydration of the tissue, particularly the degree of hydration in the surface layers of tissue. The compositions of the invention contain a polymeric matrix and a hydration fluid, the fluid being held in the matrix by a predefined osmotic pressure such that upon application of the composition to the corneal surface, a standardized level of hydration is achieved in the corneal tissue by fluid transfer between the matrix and the tissue. In another aspect of the invention, methods for pre-treating corneal tissue prior to surgery are disclosed involving the application of the compositions of the invention to the corneal tissue, such that a standardized level of hydration is achieved in the corneal tissue by fluid transfer between the matrix and the tissue; and then maintaining the composition in contact with the corneal tissue until a desired state of hydration in the tissue is achieved.