Rho Kinase Inhibitors as a Neuroprotective Pharmacological Intervention for the Treatment of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its prevalence has led to research into treatment modalities for glaucoma to prevent the progression of the disease. The primary treatment for glaucoma that has been extensively used is ocular hypotensives to reduce raised intraocular pressure. This treatment has its drawbacks due to the existence of other variants of glaucoma, such as normal-tension glaucoma, where the intraocular pressure is measured to be within regular levels. Hence, there is a need for new treatment interventions which can deliver a better prognosis for glaucoma. Neuroprotection is a new concept studied recently, and neuroprotective agents are being developed for glaucoma therapy. Rho kinase inhibitors are one such neuroprotective agent, and the most recent addition to the class of ocular hypotensives, where they function by reducing raised intraocular pressure. Its neuroprotective capabilities, such as cell survival and axon regeneration, are yet to be determined in detail. This literature review article aims to look into the need for new treatments such as neuroprotection to prevent the progression of glaucoma and the efficacy of rho kinase inhibitors in the treatment of glaucoma, with particular emphasis on its neuroprotective abilities. It also aims to identify the limitations that can occur while approaching neuroprotective therapy, as well as how it can enable future treatment modalities. By exploring this field, blindness caused by progressive glaucoma can be halted and managed by glaucoma therapy.