The Protective Effect of Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Eye Drops (Ripasudil) on Corneal Endothelial Cells After Cataract Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction Cataract surgery poses a risk to corneal endothelial cells. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of rho-associated kinase inhibitor eye drop (ripasudil) on corneal endothelial cells after cataract surgery over 12 months. Methods We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded comparative study including 43 patients divided into two groups: the ripasudil group (22 patients, 23 eyes) and the control group (21 patients, 21 eyes). All patients had grade 3 nuclear cataract and underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. In the ripasudil group, one drop of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (Glanatec® ophthalmic solution 0.4%) was administered three times a day for 5 days. Outcome measures included central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD), which were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Results In the ripasudil group, the median ECD was 2398 (interquartile range [IQR] 410, 2201–2611) cells/mm 2 at baseline and 2262 (IQR 298, 2195–2493) cells/mm 2 at 12 months postoperatively. In the control group, the median ECD was 2503 (IQR 390, 2340–2730) cells/mm 2 at baseline and 2170 (IQR 324, 2049–2373) cells/mm 2 at 12 months postoperatively. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) was 12.8% in the control group, significantly reduced to 4.5% in the ripasudil group ( p = 0.001*). CCT ( p = 0.042), age ( p = 0.383), sex ( p = 0.944), and duration of surgery ( p = 0.319) were not significant factors. No adverse effects were observed in either of the groups. Conclusions Incorporating ripasudil into postoperative management could help maintain corneal endothelial cell integrity and reduce cell loss after cataract surgery, potentially decreasing the need for endothelial transplantation in patients who have undergone intraocular surgeries.