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Updated: May 11, 2026
Whole-mount Retinal Organoid Visualization with Cellular Resolution
Published on: June 20, 2025
Outer retinal tubulation in degenerative retinal disorders
Naomi R Goldberg1, Jonathan P Greenberg, Ketan Laud
1*Vitreous, Retina, Macula Consultants of New York, New York, New York; †Department of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York; ‡Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York; and §Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Outer retinal tubulation (ORT) is a finding in various degenerative retinal diseases. Its presence may indicate disease severity and stage in conditions affecting the outer retina.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Outer retinal tubulation (ORT) is a recently described morphologic finding.
- Its presence has been noted in various retinal disorders.
- Understanding its significance in disease progression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate outer retinal tubulation (ORT) in a diverse range of degenerative retinal disorders.
- To analyze the morphologic characteristics and evolution of ORT.
- To correlate ORT presence with disease stage and severity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of multimodal imaging in 29 eyes from 15 patients.
- Analysis of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) data.
- Morphologic assessment and temporal evolution tracking of ORT.
Main Results:
- ORT identified as round/ovoid, hyperreflective structures in pattern dystrophy, acute zonal occult outer retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, gyrate atrophy, and choroideremia.
- ORT appears to originate from photoreceptor invagination at the junction of intact and atrophic outer retina.
- ORT prevalence increased with enlarging atrophic zones; largely stable in number and distribution during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Outer retinal tubulation (ORT) is observed in multiple degenerative retinal disorders characterized by outer retinal and/or retinal pigment epithelium damage.
- ORT may serve as a biomarker for disease stage and severity.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and clinical implications of ORT is warranted.
