Efficacy and safety of ripasudil, a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, in eyes with uveitic glaucoma

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the initial experience, efficacy, and safety of ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate (ripasudil), a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor eye drop, for uveitic glaucoma. Methods In this retrospective case series, we retrieved the clinical data of 21 eyes from 19 patients with open-angle uveitic glaucoma who were treated with ripasudil at Kobe University Hospital. We analyzed the median intraocular pressure (IOP) reductions after ripasudil treatment and collected the information on the adverse events that were encountered during the course of this treatment period. Results The causes of uveitis were sarcoidosis (29%), Behçet’s disease (14%), Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease (10%), others (15%), and unclassified (33%). Of total, 19 (90%) eyes were treated with topical, periocular, and/or systemic steroid therapies. The median number of glaucoma medications used before ripasudil treatment was 2, and the median follow-up time was 13 months. The median IOPs were 23 mmHg at baseline, 16 mmHg at 1 month, and 18 mmHg at 12 months with significant IOP reductions of − 3 mmHg at 1 month and − 2 mmHg at 12 months ( P = 0.0050). Of total, 11 (52%) eyes with an IOP reduction ≥ 3 mmHg at 1 month (responders) showed a significant median IOP decrease at 12 months compared with non-responders (− 5 versus 0 mmHg, P = 0.0242). Two adverse events were observed: rashes on the back and transient conjunctival hyperemia. Conclusions Ripasudil appears to be safe and substantially reduce IOP in eyes with uveitic glaucoma if the eye is a responder. Ripasudil could be an option for the treatment of uveitic glaucoma.