Abstract: Method embodiments are disclosed for treating retinal degeneration in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of compound, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, solvate, hydrate, or tautomer thereof, selected from 3-(dibutylamino)-1-(1,3-dichloro-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenanthren-9-yl)propan-1-ol hydrochloride or a compound having a structure according to a formula selected from Formula I, II, or III, as described herein. In some non-limiting examples, the subject has retinitis pigmentosa, LCA, Stargardt’s macular dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, choroideremia or age-related macular degeneration.