Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)is the leading cause of vision loss among elderly in the developed world. ARMD is a multi-factor disease, which is affected by genetic, environment, diet, inflammation, oxidative stress and other factors. Among these factors, oxidative stress accounts for an important role in the occurrence and development of ARMD, as evidenced by the significant correlation between oxidative stress and the onset of ARMD in substantial literature. This article summarized the research advance in the pathologic features of ARMD, the relationship between oxidative stress and the retina, and oxidative stress during the progression of ARMD.