Serial sectioning for examination of photoreceptor cell architecture by focused ion beam technology

► A new method of eye tissue preparation for serial ion ablation imaging (SIA) is described. ► Photoreceptor structure was elucidated using SIA technology. ► Probing of normal rod photoreceptors revealed precise internal disc architecture. ► Probing of diseased cone photoreceptors revealed new structural findings. ► SIA technology can characterize photoreceptor structural changes in disease.