Reticular corneal epithelial edema with topical netarsudil

Abstract

Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor (ROCK) therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction or damage other than glaucoma has been reported with few ocular side effects. We report reticular epithelial edema (REE) with netarsudil (0.02%) therapy in four cases with different clinical scenarios (three cases with corneal transplant and one case postcataract extraction). REE developed in all cases variably and cleared on cessation of netarsudil in three cases. One case was continued on netarsudil due to REE sparing the visual axis with no active ocular complaints. Partial clearance of stromal edema observed in all cases was correlated clinically to visual acuity considering existing comorbidities in an individual case.

Keywords

• netarsudil (0.02%) eye drop
• reticular epithelial edema
• rock inhibitor