Agents for treatment of glaucomatous retinopathy and optic neuropathy

Agents that stimulate nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the subsequent increases in gene products that detoxify and elimate cylotoxic metabolites are provided in a method for treating glaucomatous retinopathy or optic neuropathy. 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, an isothiocyanate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytolune, ethoxyquin, a coumarin, combinations thereof, of a pharmacologically active derivative or analog thereof.