Key Takeaways

  • Researchers identified a previously unrecognized posterior ocular lymphatic outflow (POLO) pathway connecting the suprachoroidal space to cervical lymph nodes

  • The discovery could advance understanding of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other ocular diseases, although studies in humans are needed

Researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto have identified a previously unrecognized posterior ocular lymphatic outflow (POLO) pathway from the suprachoroidal space to cervical lymph nodes.1

Several methods of advanced imaging were used in adult mice to map how fluid exited the back of the eye and where it went. The findings demonstrated a posterior drainage route through choroidal lymphatic vessels.

Further studies are required to determine how the POLO pathway functions in a human eye and whether changes in this route contribute to ocular diseases. The discovery of the POLO pathway, however, could improve clinicians’ understanding of eye diseases characterized by fluid accumulation, waste buildup, or inflammation and eventually give rise to new treatments for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other vision-threatening conditions.

Reference

1. Sauntharrajan B, Gupta N, Zhou X, et al. Identification and mapping of a posterior ocular lymphatic outflow (POLO) pathway through choroidal lymphatics. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2026;15(7):23. doi:10.1167/tvst.15.7.23