Adaptive optics (AO) can measure and correct wavefront aberrations in real time, which enables the optical system to adapt to external changes and maintain excellent optical performance, and has been gradually paid attention in the field of ophthalmology.AO technology can carry out optometry according to wavefront aberrations to improve the efficiency and accuracy of subjective and objective refraction, eliminate the influence of ocular aberrations on retinal imaging, provide more accurate data for the evaluation of optic nerve function, improve the effectiveness of visual perception training and provide vision care and treatment for special people, as well as simulate and predict postoperative visual outcome and give personalized schemes for refractive surgery and intraocular lens implantation.Moreover, AO combined with optical coherence tomography, optical scanning laser ophthalmoscope, and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope, can realize fundus imaging and retinal vascular imaging in real time, provide better sensitivity and resolution of retinal detection, distinguish fine details of retinal vessels and cone cells, and characterize retinal pigment epithelium topology and deformation, the application of which in posterior segment laser surgery, glaucoma diagnosis and follow-up, color blindness and retinal physiological activity research has been attracting attention.In this article, the principle and application of AO in ophthalmology were briefly reviewed.