AIMS: To evaluate alteration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Plasma nitrite plus nitrate concentrations as an index of plasma NO levels and plasma MDA level as a marker of lipid peroxidation were measured in patients with exudative ARMD and age and sex matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Significantly higher MDA and lower NO levels were detected in plasma of patients with ARMD compared with their controls (p=0.01, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results may support involvement of oxidative damage and vascular theory in the pathogenesis of ARMD as part of the ageing process.