Ophthalmic compositions including lubricant agent, deturgescent agent, glycosaminoglycan, and water are used to preserve tissue in vitro; for example, ocular tissue, especially a cornea, thereby facilitating subsequent transplant, especially of a complete cornea. Preferably, the ophthalmic composition and tissue are stored at about 0° C. to about 40° C. The ophthalmic solution may be replaced on either a continuous basis or batch exchanged. The volume of ophthalmic solution per individual cornea being preserved would be from about 50 ml to about 500 ml.