Descemet Stripping Only in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Topical Ripasudil and Directions for Future Innovation.
Am J OphthalmolJun 16, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchOphthalmology
Kathryn Colby, Friedrich E Kruse, Shigeru Kinoshita
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of topical ripasudil after Descemet stripping only (DSO) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. The study involved 65 subjects and found that the QID group had a significantly higher central endothelial cell density (ECD) at 12 weeks compared to the placebo group (531 ± 312 cells/mm² vs 228 ± 298 cells/mm², P = .0065).
Key findings
- The QID group had a central ECD of 531 ± 312 cells/mm² at 12 weeks, significantly higher than the placebo group's 228 ± 298 cells/mm² (P = .0065).
- Corneal edema resolved in 81.0% of the QID group compared to 9.1% in the placebo group (P < .0001).
- Only 9.5% of the QID group required rescue therapy, compared to 27.3% in the placebo group (P = .0092).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that topical ripasudil can enhance recovery outcomes following DSO in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, potentially leading to improved patient management and reduced need for additional interventions.