Abstract: Abstract： Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a genetic effect DNA molecule of double closed loop, and is crucial for cells and their functions. Mitochondria take an active part in physiological activities of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. The oxidative stress is usually occurred in RPE for its active metabolism, which can lead to mitochondria and mtDNA dam⁃ age. Once mitochondria and mtDNA lesions have not been repaired timely, the lesions can be accumulated, which can cause dysfunctions and damaged-structures of RPE and mitochondria, and can motivate the progression of cell apoptosis. In the end it can result in some ocular related diseases such as aged-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study reviewed the functional relationship between mtDNA and RPE, and repair and detection methods of mtDNA damage.

Key words: DNA, mitochondrial, DNA damage, retinal pigments, epithelial cells, reactive oxygen species, review