“Rapid and reversible alteration in corneal contour and power associated with Netarsudil/Latanoprost”

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a previously unreported case of reversible myopic shift with corresponding changes in corneal contour in a patient treated with netarsudil/latanoprost. Observations: A 72-year-old male with history of primary open angle glaucoma, prior cataract surgery, and remote radial keratotomy surgery was treated with fixed-dose combination of netarsudil/latanoprost. Despite no prior history of refractive shift in the twenty years since radial keratotomy surgery, on one month follow-up, he reported reduced visual acuity and presented with approximately 1.50 D shift in both eyes. There were associated corneal contour changes. No corneal epithelial bullae or edema were appreciated. Netarsudil/latanoprost was discontinued and timolol was initiated. One month later, both refractive error and corneal contour returned to prior levels. Conclusions: Netarsudil is a rho-kinase and norepinephrine transporter inhibitor that may be effective in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma resistant to other topical treatments. In addition to corneal epithelial bullous edema previously reported, this drug may induce reversible changes in corneal contour in patients with prior corneal or refractive surgery.

Keywords

• Glaucoma
• Netarsudil
• Rho kinase inhibitor
• Radial keratotomy
• Corneal topography
• Reversible