NYU Langone Presents Data on Transplant-Sparing Eye Drop for Fuchs Dystrophy
Researchers from NYU Langone Health presented several ophthalmology advances at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2026 annual meeting, which began October 9. A key presentation detailed results from a multicenter, placebo-controlled trial of a topical medication for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.
The phase 2 trial found that the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Ripasudil, administered as an eye drop after Descemet stripping only (DSO) surgery, significantly accelerated corneal healing. In the trial, 81% of patients receiving the medication had corneal swelling resolve completely, compared to 9% in the placebo group. Ten percent of patients on the drug required a rescue corneal transplant, versus 27% on placebo.
Other research shared by NYU Langone faculty at the meeting included a staged treatment approach for corneal neovascularization, a case series on an atypical presentation of vitamin A deficiency that can lead to corneal melting, and a review of progress toward total human eye transplantation.