Method of treating dry eye disorders and uveitis

1. 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

R 1 is C 2 H 5 , CO 2 R, or a carboxylate salt of formula CO 2 − R + ;

R + is Li + , Na + , K + , or NH 4 + ;

R is H, CH 3 , C 2 H 5 , n-C 3 H 7 , or i-C 3 H 7 ; and

R 7 , R 8 , R 9 are H;

or R 7 and R 8 or R 8 and R 9 together constitute a carbonyl group (C═O), thus forming a cyclic carbonate;

or OR 8 R 1 together form a lactone.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a compound of formula I is used to treat uveitis.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein a compound of formula I is used to treat dry eye.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable amount is from 0.1 to 1% (w/v).

7. The method of claim 3 wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable amount is from 0.00003 to 0.001% (w/v).

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of surfactants; tonicity agents; buffers; preservatives; co-solvents; and viscosity building agents.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises one or more ingredients selected from the group consisting of surfactants; tonicity agents; buffers; preservatives; co-solvents; and viscosity building agents.