[Advances in adaptive optical imaging of photoreceptor cell observation in the macular]

This article focuses on the application of adaptive optics (AO) technology in the observation of photoreceptor cells (PRs) in the macular area. Firstly, the principle and development process of AO technology are described. It can actively measure and correct optical aberrations to achieve high-resolution imaging. Since its invention, it has been increasingly used in ophthalmic research. Then, a detailed review is presented on the observation results of PRs by AO in healthy individuals and various ophthalmic diseases, including the performance characteristics of PRs in inherited retinal diseases, retinal degenerative diseases, uveitis involving PRs, and other lesions. At the same time, the current shortcomings of AO technology are analyzed in depth, such as small-sample research, non-standardized parameters, and limited clinical applications. The aim is to comprehensively summarize the research progress of AO in the observation of PRs in the macular area and provide a reference for subsequent related research and clinical applications.