As a newly developing technology of adaptive optics (AO), the combination of AO technology with traditional fundus imaging devices, such as fundus camera, scanning laser ophthalmoscope as well as optical coherence tomography, can image photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, retinal ganglion cells, and retinal vascular system. Currently, AO technology is applied in the diagnosis, monitor and management of retinal diseases, enabling the observation of early changes of photoreceptor cells and analyzing vascular parameters in inherited retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion, inflammatory retinal diseases and central serous chorioretinopathy. Major breakthrough brought by AO technology along with rapid progress driven by ophthalmic imaging devices can help clarify the pathogenesis of eye diseases. and offer a comprehensive understanding of the new perspectives provided by AO technology for fundus imaging. Of course, limitation of popularizing application of AO device exists due to small scan range and optic media opacity. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of AO technology provides a new horizon for retina imaging. A comprehensive understanding of AO technology provides updated vision for fundus imaging, and is expected to promote the clinical application of AO technology in ophthalmology, and to enable cellular-resolution imaging of the living human retina.