Poly-${gamma}$-glutamic acid (${gamma}$-PGA) is a natural edible polypeptide in which glutamate is polymerized via ${gamma}$-amide linkages. First, we assessed the eye irritancy potential of ${gamma}$-PGA in rabbits. Additionally, we studied the effects of ${gamma}$-PGA on corneal wound healing, due to the anti-inflammatory properties and water retaining abilities of ${gamma}$-PGA. In this study, the effects of ${gamma}$-PGA on corneal wound healing after an alkali burn were evaluated. Thirty eyes wounded by alkali burning in 30 white rabbits were divided into three groups: group A was treated with 0.1% 5,000 kDa ${gamma}$-PGA for 2 days; group B was treated with 0.1% hyaluronic acid; and group C was not treated, as a control. The area of corneal epithelial defect was examined at 12, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 h after corneal alkali wounding to determine initial wound healing. We found that ${gamma}$-PGA promoted corneal wound healing, compared with controls, and showed similar effects to hyaluronic acid. These results indicate that ${gamma}$-PGA stimulates corneal wound healing by an anti-inflammatory effect and enhancing cell migration and cell proliferation. ${gamma}$-PGA is a promising biomaterial that may be a substitute for hyaluronic acid in corneal wound healing treatment.