Objective：To observe the histochemical changes of retinal photochemical damage in rats. Methods：The changes of retinal ultrastructure were observed.The concentration of malondaldehyde(MDA) was tested and the activity the histochemical change of cytochrome oxidase (CCO) and (Mg ++ -ATPasw) were evaluated on the retnal photochemical damage in SD rats. Results：At the 6th hour after light exposure,the swelling appwared at the nuclei of photoreceptor,the mitochondria of inner segment.The apical microvilli of RPE disappeared and lysosomes increased in RPE.On the 6th day after light exposure,the changes became more obvious.While on the 14th day after light expose the nuclei of photoreceptors and the inner segments renewed but the arrangement of the disk was lose;and the microvilli appeared of the disk was lose;and the microvilli appeared at the tip of RPE.The Activity of CCO and Mg ++ -ATPase decreased and MDA increased in retina at the 6th hour and on the 6th day and they recovered on the 14th day after light exposure. Conclusion：Lipd peroxidation that broke the cell membrane system of photoreceptor which induced changes of the cell ultrastru cture abd the activity of enzyme might relate to pathogenesis in retinal photochemical damage. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1998,14:38-40)