Imaging Leukocyte Dynamics in Retinal Disease - Scorecard - MDSpire

Imaging Leukocyte Dynamics in Retinal Disease

The movement of immune cells through the retinal vasculature has long been inferred from laboratory models. Now, advances in imaging are allowing clinicians to observe these processes directly. At the 2026 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Denver, Richard B. Rosen, MD, ScD(hon), FACS, FASRS, FARVO, described early clinical work using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) to visualize leukocyte trafficking in vivo.

  • By

  • Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

  • May 1, 2026

  • 4 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Imaging Leukocyte Dynamics in Retinal Disease

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionRetinal Disease
Key MechanismsLeukocyte trafficking and immune surveillance in retinal vasculature.
Target PopulationPatients with diabetic retinopathy, sickle cell disease, uveitis, and healthy controls.
Care SettingClinical settings utilizing adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Key Highlights

  • AOSLO enables noninvasive visualization of leukocyte dynamics in vivo.
  • Distinct leukocyte movement patterns observed in various retinal diseases.
  • Leukocyte activity is more frequent in venules compared to arterioles.
  • Changes in leukocyte behavior noted post anti-VEGF therapy.
  • Study includes a small cohort of healthy participants and patients with retinal diseases.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Utilize AOSLO and OCTA for assessing leukocyte dynamics in retinal diseases.

Management

  • Monitor leukocyte behavior in response to treatments such as anti-VEGF therapy.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Track leukocyte motion and patterns over time to understand disease progression.

Risks

  • Potential for misinterpretation of leukocyte dynamics in the context of disease.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with diabetic retinopathy, sickle cell disease, uveitis, and healthy controls.

Leukocyte behavior may indicate treatment efficacy and disease mechanisms.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Incorporate AOSLO imaging in routine assessments of retinal disease.
  • Evaluate leukocyte dynamics to inform therapeutic decisions.

References

Original Source(s)

Imaging Leukocyte Dynamics in Retinal Disease

  • by Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

  • May 1, 2026

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