An ocular drug delivery system including a composition in which a formulation having an active agent such as rHGH and or an rHGH mimic, e.g., that increases insulin growth factor (IGF) or that alters insulin growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) in a subject is dispersed in a pharmaceutical carrier. The composition is configured for placement in, around or on an eye of the subject, and the composition provides controlled release of an amount of the active agent to the eye effective to promote ocular surface and corneal neural regeneration and wound healing.