ORG Detects Retinal Dysfunction Before Structural Changes

At ASRS 2026, Kareem Moussa, MD, presented early data suggesting optoretinography may identify photoreceptor dysfunction in diabetic eyes before conventional imaging reveals abnormalities.

By: Jim Gallagher, senior managing editor

Retinal Physician July 20, 2026

Clinical Report: ORG Detects Retinal Dysfunction Before Structural Changes

Overview

Optoretinography (ORG) may identify photoreceptor dysfunction in diabetic eyes prior to visible structural changes. Early data presented at the ASRS 2026 meeting indicate that ORG can detect functional abnormalities in eyes that appear structurally normal.

Background

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness, often progressing without early visual symptoms. Current imaging techniques primarily focus on structural changes, which may not reflect the functional status of photoreceptors. The introduction of functional imaging techniques like ORG could enhance early detection and management of retinal diseases.

Data Highlights

Metric	Normal Eyes	Diseased Eyes
V20-40 Elongation Velocity	Decreased with distance from fovea	Attenuated across measured locations

Key Findings

ORG measures photoreceptor responses to light using a standard OCT light source.
Vmin and V20-40 are two velocity-based metrics used to quantify photoreceptor responses.
In diseased eyes, photoreceptor elongation was consistently reduced compared to healthy controls.
ORG detected altered photoreceptor function in structurally normal eyes of diabetic patients.
The technology is still in early development and requires further validation.

Clinical Implications

ORG's ability to detect functional changes in photoreceptors before structural abnormalities may allow for earlier intervention in diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

ORG may enable earlier detection of functional impairments in diabetic eyes.

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Retinal Physician