The Effect of Topical Rho-kinase Inhibitors on Corneas of Patients With Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of topical Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors on corneal endothelial cells (CECs) after cataract surgery in patients with cataract, glaucoma and Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). The study was approved by Ethics Committee of University Hospital Dubrava and will be conducted in accordance with tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent will be obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Patients with glaucoma and FECD that require cataract surgery will be recruited. The inclusion criteria will be: age between 40 and 90 years; diagnosis of FECD and glaucoma; cataract grade II nuclear/cortical or posterior subcapsular (Lens Opacity Classification System III [LOCS III].

Exclusion criteria will be other anterior segment pathology (pseudoexfoliation syndrome, corneal opacities); ocular surface inflammation; intraoperative complications (posterior capsular rupture, vitreous loss, IOL not implanted in the capsular bag); previous ocular trauma or intraocular surgery.

Sample size was calculated to be 25 participants per group, using State statistical software (StataCorp LLC, College station, TX).

The patients will be randomized into two groups and the study drugs will be masked for both the patients and examiners. Group 1 will receive topical ROCK inhibitor netarsudil 0.02% ophthalmic solution 1x daily for four weeks after the surgery. Group 2 will receive topical placebo (artificial tear substitute) 1x daily for four weeks after the surgery. All patients will receive topical steroid antibiotic drops (dexamethasone, neomycin and polymyxin B, 1 mg, 3500 IU and 6000 IU/mL, respectively) four times daily for a week and then tapered over the next 3 weeks (three times daily for a week, then two times daily for a week and then one time daily for a week). All patients will be examined by a single researcher to limit observer bias. One experienced surgeon will performe all surgical procedures, which are consisted of topical anaesthesia, clear corneal small incision, capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification with the implantation of a foldable hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens. At the end of the surgery, cefuroxime (1 mg) will be instilled into the anterior chamber. Phacoemulsification will be performed using CENTURION Vision System (Alcon Vision LLC, Fort Worth, TX). ECD (Endothelial Cell Density), CV (Coefficient of Variation) and % Hexagonal ( 6A or Hexagonality) will be determined using non contact specular microscope ( confocal endomicroscopy-530, Nidek Co, Ltd, Gamagori, Japan). Central corneal thickness (CCT) will be measured using ultrasound pachymetry (Micro Medical Devices, Inc, CA) and visual acuity will be evaluated using a Snellen chart and converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR). Intraocular pressure (IOP) will be measured using Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). Measurements will be performed 7 days before the surgery and on 7th and 30th day postoperatively. Information on adverse effects will be collected for all patients during the study.