Rho-kinase inhibitors: Role in corneal endothelial disorders

This exhaustive review of published literature aims to put forth the current understanding, and experiences of the role Rho-kinase inhibitors play in the management of corneal endothelial disorders.

A meticulous search for PubMed and Medline databases was carried out using keywords 'rho-kinase inhibitors', 'corneal endothelial disorders', 'rho-kinase inhibitors in corneal endothelial disorders', and 'fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy'. The articles published in last five years relevant to the area of interest were selected and compiled in a chronological order to write this review.

Published research shows the proven role of rho-kinase inhibitors in promoting endothelial proliferation and suppressing its apoptosis. It has shown to be effective in the treatment of endothelial diseases and endothelial cell loss due to other causes in small clinical studies. It has also shown to promote growth of human corneal endothelial cell culture suitable for transplantation. The side effects of topical rho-kinase inhibitors are minimal and self-limiting.

Rho-kinase inhibitors show immense promise in providing a non-surgical therapy for treatment of endothelial disorders. If consistent results are demonstrated through large clinical trials then this can be a major breakthrough in treating endothelial decompensation and reduce our dependence on endothelial keratoplasty for the same.