Ripasudil hydrochloride dihydrate is primarily used in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It functions as a Rho kinase inhibitor, which helps to reduce intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. This makes it effective in managing conditions where elevated eye pressure can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. It is often prescribed as an eye drop formulation, providing a targeted approach to minimize systemic side effects. In some cases, it may be used in combination with other intraocular pressure-lowering medications to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Its mechanism of action offers an alternative for patients who may not respond adequately to traditional therapies like beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogs.