The Protective Effect of Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drops (Ripasudil) on Corneal Endothelial Cells After...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Science
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Cataract surgery can negatively impact corneal endothelial cells.
• Maintaining corneal endothelial cell density is crucial for visual function post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effect of ripasudil eye drops on corneal endothelial cells following cataract surgery.
• To assess long-term (12-month) outcomes of ripasudil use in preserving endothelial cell density.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, non-randomized comparative study involving 43 patients undergoing cataract surgery.
• Patients were divided into a ripasudil treatment group and a control group.
• Corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• The ripasudil group showed significantly less endothelial cell loss (4.5%) compared to the control group (12.8%) (p=0.001).
• No significant differences were found in central corneal thickness, age, sex, or surgery duration as influencing factors.
• No adverse effects were reported in either group during the study period.

Conclusions:

• Ripasudil eye drops can effectively preserve corneal endothelial cell integrity after cataract surgery.
• Incorporating ripasudil into postoperative care may reduce the incidence of endothelial cell loss and the need for future transplantation.