A multi - institutional team from China and Australia published a study in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, revealing new insights into diabetic retinopathy (DR) with Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO).

DR, a leading cause of blindness, is a neurovascular disorder. This study explored impairments across its full course (preclinical, NPDR, PDR). In the Guangdong study involving 81 participants, AOSLO, along with other techniques, was used to analyze retinal cells.

AOSLO, capable of cellular - level imaging, was crucial. After pupil dilation, the Mona IIa system captured images, and an AI algorithm analyzed photoreceptor features. The results showed that cone pathway function declined in preclinical DR. In NPDR, AOSLO detected photoreceptor cell damage, with changes in cone density and other metrics, and PDR had more severe impairments.

There were strong correlations between functional and structural parameters. Despite limitations like a small sample size, AOSLO proved valuable. It offered insights into DR, suggesting it could be a biomarker for early screening and treatment monitoring, and advanced the understanding of DR for better management.