AIM:To study the effects of naringenin eye drops on NaIO3-induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in rat eyes.METHODS:The 35mg/kg NaIO3-induced RPE degeneration was prevented by 10g/L naringenin eye drops 3 times a day for 7 days in advance of NaIO3 injection,and then 2 to 4 weeks thereafter,RPE function was measured with C-wave of electroretinogram (ERG). The laser-induced CNV rats were treated with laser to break the Bruch’s membrane and the CNV formation was prevented by 10g/L naringenin eye drops instilled 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. The CNV formation was measured with fluorescein angiography (FA) and flat mount. RESULTS:Two weeks after NaIO3 injection,the amplitude of ERG C-wave fell markedly in NaIO3 group to 53% of normal group (P<0.01). No apparent difference was observed in naringenin+ NaIO3 group. Four weeks later,the NaIO3 group fell to 37% of normal group (P<0.01),while the naringenin+ NaIO3 group fell to only 57% of normal group (P<0.01). There is a 52% reversal of the ERG C-wave by naringenin as compared to NaIO3 treated group (P<0.05). Two weeks and four weeks after laser treatment,naringenin reduced the CNV formation to 53% and 49% of control group (100%) measured by FA (P<0.01). Four weeks after laser treatment,naringenin reduced the CNV formation by 47% as compared to control group measured with flat mount (P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Naringenin significantly protected RPE from NaIO3 induced degeneration and can also prevent CNV formation.