Cholesterylesters of ω-(O-acyl)-hydroxy FAs (Chl-ωOAHFAs) were identified for the first time in vernix caseosa and characterized using chromatography and MS. Chl-ωOAHFAs were isolated using adsorption chromatography on silica gel and magnesium hydroxide. Their general structure was established using high-resolution and tandem MS of intact lipids, and products of their transesterification and derivatizations
Disclosed herein is an ophthalmic formulation comprising a compound of formula (I):
wherein
R1 is a linear or branched C9-C33 alkyl or a linear or branched C9-C33 alkenyl with 1 to 4 double bonds;
R2 is a linear or branched C9-C19 alkyl or a linear or branched C9-C19 alkenyl with 1 to 4 double bonds;
and an ophthalmologically acceptable carrier.