Imaging Leukocyte Dynamics in Retinal Disease - Summary - 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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Objective:

To present in vivo imaging of leukocyte trafficking in retinal disease using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO).

Key Findings:
  • Leukocyte activity was more frequently observed in venules than arterioles, with a 10:1 difference.
  • Distinct leukocyte movement patterns included movement with and against flow, backtracking, and lateral migration.
  • In diabetic retinopathy, leukocyte stalling and adhesion were noted near nonperfusion areas.
  • Sickle cell disease showed adhesion and occlusive behavior, along with evidence of transmigration.
  • In uveitis, increased extravascular leukocyte activity was observed.
Interpretation:

Visualizing leukocyte dynamics in vivo enhances understanding of immune responses in retinal diseases and may inform therapeutic strategies.

Limitations:
  • Study involved a small sample size.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the significance of observed changes post anti-VEGF therapy.
Conclusion:

AOSLO provides a dynamic view of leukocyte behavior in retinal diseases, potentially impacting disease understanding and treatment approaches.

Original Source(s)

Imaging Leukocyte Dynamics in Retinal Disease

  • by Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

  • May 1, 2026

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