Relationship of macrophage-like cells and retinal ganglion cells in healthy eyes

In healthy eyes, MLC distribution shows a non-linear, bell-shaped association with GCL thickness, peaking at moderate GCL values. Age and sex further modulate MLC count. These findings suggest a tightly regulated neuroimmune environment in the healthy retina and may provide a baseline for detecting early neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative changes.