<p>One aspect of the present invention relates to stabilized irrigating compositions comprising sodium glycerophosphate and/or calcium glycerophosphate, and a bicarbonate salt. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods of irrigating ocular tissues during a surgical procedure comprising bathing the intraocular tissues with an irrigating composition comprising sodium glycerophosphate and/or calcium glycerophosphate, and a bicarbonate salt.</p>