Agents for treatment of diabetic retinopathy and drusen formation in macular degeneration

Agents that stimulate nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the subsequent increases in gene products that detoxify and eliminate cytotoxic metabolites are provided in a method for treating diabetic retinopathy or drusen formation in age-related macular degeneration. The structurally diverse agents that act on the Nrf2/ARE pathway induce the expression of enzymes and proteins that possess chemically versatile cytoprotective properties and are a defense against toxic metabolites and xenobiotics. Agents include certain electrophiles and oxidants such as a Michael Addition acceptor, diphenol, thiocarbamate, quinone, 1,2-dithiole-3-thione, butylated hydroxyanisole, flavonoid other than genistein, an isothiocyanate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, ethoxyquin, a coumarin, combinations thereof, or a pharmacologically active derivative or analog thereof.