Case Report: Topical Netarsudil in the Treatment of a Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcer.

SIGNIFICANCE: Rho-associated kinase inhibitors have been used in glaucoma management for reducing intraocular pressure. Their role in treating corneal endothelial damage and promoting corneal epithelial healing has also been reported. Presented is a case report demonstrating healing of a previously nonresponsive neurotrophic ulcer with addition of the Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, netarsudil.

PURPOSE: Early in vitro -based research on corneal application of Rho-associated kinase inhibitors has shown these molecules to be beneficial to corneal epithelial wound healing. The presented case supports their use in epithelial disease. It is the author's hope that this will inspire further investigation.

CASE REPORT: Presented here is a case report describing the use of netarsudil, a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor in the management of a neurotrophic corneal ulcer that was nonresponsive to frontline therapy. The application of netarsudil was followed by rapid healing of the defect, although a concomitant increase in mucous production was also noted.

CONCLUSIONS

This case supports the use of netarsudil as an agonist of epithelial healing, although further research is needed.