Video: Can a Glaucoma Drug Prevent Retinal Scarring?

Leo A. Kim, MD, PhD, shares early research with Diana Do, MD, on netarsudil’s emerging role in managing proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

By: Leo A. Kim, MD, PhD, Diana V. Do, MD

Retinal Physician August 2, 2025 Vol 22, Issue July/August 2025

Objective:

To explore the potential of netarsudil in managing proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

Key Findings:

Netarsudil significantly inhibits PVR recurrence.
The drug is administered once daily, particularly during the first 3 months post-surgery.

Interpretation:

Netarsudil, primarily used for glaucoma, shows promise in addressing an unmet need in PVR management.

Limitations:

Early-stage research with limited patient data.
Further studies needed to validate findings and determine long-term effects.

Conclusion:

Netarsudil may offer a new therapeutic approach for preventing retinal scarring in PVR, warranting further investigation.

Leo A. Kim, MD, PhD

Affiliations: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard

Bio: Leo A. Kim, MD, PhD, is affiliated with Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard. His work focuses on retina research, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy and approaches to preventing recurrence after retinal detachment. At the 2025 American Society of Retina Specialists Annual Meeting, Dr. Kim discussed laboratory and early clinical work evaluating Rho kinase inhibition with netarsudil for proliferative vitreoretinopathy. His lab uses patient-derived membrane models to study mechanisms of PVR pathophysiology, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and he has collaborated with Elliott Sohn, MD, on a pilot study using netarsudil in patients with PVR.

Diana V. Do, MD

Retina Specialist

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Diana V. Do, MD, is a retina specialist and author for Retinal Physician. Her work focuses on ophthalmology and retinal disease, with interest in clinical trials, practice management, and emerging therapies for retinal conditions. In her Retinal Physician column, Dr. Do discusses developments in retina care, including clinical research collaboration, international clinical trial infrastructure, and investigational treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. She has also referenced her training connections with the Wilmer Eye Institute.

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