Abstract: Described herein are methods for treatment or prevention of retinal dysfuntion by reduction of rod cell energy demand. Particular embodiments include methods for improving rod-mediated retinal function in a developing retina by administering an agent that reduces energy demand in the rod cell. Such agents that target rod cell energy demand can be administered to a subject at risk for retinal dysfunction to modify rod-cell function, such that the retina reaches retinal maturity. Also described herein are methods for suppressing the visual cycle in a developing rod cell by contacting the cell with an agent that reduces the energy demand of the rod cell.