Studies of the epidemiology, pathogenetic factors and visual function of aging macular degeneration (AMD) show that it has become an ocular disease worth noticing in China. Although most AMD cases were of the dry type and the patients had rather good visual acuity, various determinations of visual function showed different degrees of impairment. Controlling light exposure and improving trace metal metabolism may be helpful for early prevention and treatment of AMD. It will also be an important factor in the prevention of blindness in Asian nations.