A method of diagnosing a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), by detecting biomarkers in the patients Bruchs membrane, and diagnosing the patient with AMD. A method of detecting the presence of AMD in a patient, by detecting biomarkers in the patients Bruchs membrane. A method of detecting inflammation in a patient, by detecting biomarkers in the patients Bruchs membrane. A method of determining the progression of AMD in a patient. A method of determining efficacy of a treatment for AMD in a patient. A method of determining the presence of AMD in an animal model. A kit for detecting the presence of disease in a patient, including an assay for biomarkers 3-nitrotyrosine and nitro-A2E. An assay of the biomarkers.
