Adaptive Optics OCT Evaluation of Rhopressa's Effects on the Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma Patients

Conditions

• Glaucoma
• Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• Netarsudil 0.02% Ophthalmic Solution [RHOPRESSA] — DRUG
  Netarsudil ophthalmic solution (Rhopressa) is an FDA-approved Rho kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. In this study, participants will instill 1 drop of netarsudil 0.02% ophthalmic solution in the study eye once daily in the evening for 6 months.
• Timolol Maleate 0.25% Ophthalmic Solution — DRUG
  Timolol maleate ophthalmic solution is an FDA-approved non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent indicated for the treatment of ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma. In this study, participants will instill 1 drop of timolol maleate 0.25% ophthalmic solution in the study eye twice daily (in the morning and evening) for 6 months.

Study Details

The purpose of this study is to compare how two FDA-approved eye drops: netarsudil (Rhopressa) and timolol, protect nerve cells in the eye of adults with open-angle glaucoma. Both medications lower pressure inside the eye, but researchers want to learn if Rhopressa is more effective at slowing down or preventing the loss of retinal ganglion cells. These cells are essential for sight because they carry visual signals from the eye to the brain. Participants in this study will complete a total of 6 study visits over 12 months: * Participants will spend 6 months using Rhopressa eye drops and 6 months using Timolol eye drops. The order of the two eye drops will be chosen randomly. * At scheduled study visits, researchers will examine participants' eyes and measure eye pressure. * Researchers will take detailed pictures of the back of the eye using a specialized high-resolution camera called adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (AO-OCT). * Participants will also complete specialized visual field testing to measure eye function. Researchers will count and track individual nerve cells over time to determine if one medication offers better protection against cell loss than the other.

Key Dates

First listed

Sep 29, 2026

Start date

Oct 31, 2026

Status verified

Sep 2026

Primary completion

Jan 31, 2028

Completion

Jan 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment

13 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

OTHER

Arms

• Experimental: Rhopressa first, then Timolol
  Participants will instill netarsudil 0.02% (Rhopressa) ophthalmic solution (1 drop in the study eye once daily in the evening) for the first 6 months (Months 0-6). At the Month 6 visit, participants will cross over to instill timolol maleate 0.25% ophthalmic solution (1 drop in the study eye twice daily) for the remaining 6 months (Months 6-12).
• Experimental: Timolol first, then Rhopressa
  Participants will instill timolol maleate 0.25% ophthalmic solution (1 drop in the study eye twice daily) for the first 6 months (Months 0-6). At the Month 6 visit, participants will cross over to instill netarsudil 0.02% (Rhopressa) ophthalmic solution (1 drop in the study eye once daily in the evening) for the remaining 6 months (Months 6-12).

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in GC soma density (cells/mm²) [ Time Frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months ]

Central Contacts

• Brett J King, OD, FAAO, Dipl AAO (Glaucoma)
  (812) 855-1344
  [email protected]
• Kaitlyn M Asher, CCRC, BS
  2194067487
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Bloomington, IN

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