The subject invention provides a mechanism by which steroidal quinol compounds confer beneficial ophthalmic effects. The subject compounds possess a lipophilic-hydrophilic balance for transcorneal penetration and are readily reduced into parent phenolic A-ring steroid compounds to provide protection or treatment against various ocular symptoms and disorders. The compounds according to the subject invention appear to be highly advantageous as prodrugs to provide protection and/or treatment against ocular disorders. These prodrugs confer lipid solubility optimal for transcorneal penetration and are readily converted to endogenous reducing agents into active phenolic A-ring steroid compounds. To the extent that these prodrugs have reduced feminizing effects and systemic toxicity, they would be expected to be quite advantageous for protecting or treating the eye against ocular disorders such as cataract or glaucoma without undesired (systemic) side effects).