Intravitreal Fasudil for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with an Unfavorable Response

Purpose This study evaluates the effect of intravitreal injection of a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil, on diabetic macular edema (DME) with an unfavorable response. Methods This study included 14 eyes of 13 patients (mean age: 65.7 +/- 5.2 years) with DME, and eligible eyes underwent single intravitreal injection of 0.025 mg fasudil. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated before and 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. The standard automated perimetry (SAP) results and maximal response of the electroretinogram (ERG) were recorded before and 3 months after treatment. Results The BCVA, IOP, and CMT remained unchanged during the study period. Similarly, the mean deviation obtained by SAP and each ERG parameter did not show significant changes after the treatment. Conclusions Although single intravitreal fasudil injection failed to show therapeutic benefits in DME, it seemed to have no negative effect on the retina.