Efficacy of the Additional Use of Ripasudil, a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Glaucoma Inadequately Controlled Under Maximum Medical Therapy

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY:The purpose of the study was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and tolerability of ripasudil, a rho-kinase inhibitor, in patients with glaucoma inadequately controlled with maximum medical therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS:This prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series study included 35 patients with primary open angle glaucoma, in whom the glaucoma was poorly controlled with maximum medical therapy before starting the treatment with ripasudil. Ripasudil was instilled twice a day as adjunctive therapy to the ongoing glaucoma treatment. The primary end point was the degree of IOP reduction after 3 months of treatment, whereas the secondary end points were the percentage of patients reaching the predefined target IOP and the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS:We examined 35 eyes of 35 patients with primary open angle glaucoma. The IOP reduction (relative percentage IOP reduction) from baseline was −2.8 mm Hg (−15.5%; 95% confidence interval, −1.6 to −3.9 mm Hg; P