Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors in the management of corneal endothelial disease

Purpose of review Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors are growing increasingly relevant in ophthalmology, and the goal of this review is to summarize their mechanisms of action and potential applications in the subspecialties of glaucoma, retina, and cornea. We will focus specifically on corneal endothelial wound healing, for which ROCK inhibition demonstrates particular promise. Recent findings ROCK inhibition has been shown to promote corneal endothelial cell proliferation, increase intercellular adhesion, and suppress apoptosis. Topical ROCK inhibitor treatment has exhibited potential use in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, corneal edema from acute surgical trauma and other etiologies, and tissue engineering therapy for the endothelial disease. Ripasudil and netarsudil, the two ROCK inhibitors available for ophthalmic use, are generally very well tolerated with mild and transient local side effects. Summary ROCK inhibitors are revolutionizing the subspecialty of cornea, and further research is needed to compare long-term outcomes of ROCK inhibitor therapy to those of conventional endothelial keratoplasty, including visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Other possible avenues include the use of ROCK inhibitors to prolong corneal graft survival, and early data appears promising.