Ophthalmically acceptable compositions used in arresting the development of cataracts or macular degeneration comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent and a compound having the formula:where R1 and R2 are, independently, H or C1 to C3 alkyl R3 and R4 are, independently C1 to C3 alkyl and where R1 and R2, taken together, or R3 and R4, taken together, or both may be cycloalkyl R5 is H, OH, or C1 to C6 alkyl R6 is or C1 to C6 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or substituted alkyl or alkenyl R7 is C1 to C6 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or substituted alkyl or alkenyl or where R6 and R7, or R5, R6 and R7, taken together, form a carbocycle or heterocycle having from 3 to 7 atoms in the ring.
