A method according to which neuroprotection is conferred upon ocular nerve cells by administration of a drug of formula (I) to the optic nerve and/or retina of a mammal within a period prior to or following an insult to ocular nerve cells but prior to cell death, wherein the 2-imidazolin-2-ylamino group may be in either the 5- or 6-position of the quinoxaline nucleus； x, y and z may be in any of the remaining 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-positions and are selected from hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or trifluoromethyl； and R is an optional substituent in either the 2-or 3-position of the quinoxaline nucleus and may be hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy is disclosed.
