The present invention relates to methods of treating ocular diseases in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more cyclohexanehexol derivatives, or salts thereof, or a medicament comprising a cyclohexanehexol derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. More specifically, the invention provides a medicament comprising at least one cyclohexanehexol derivative of formula (III) or (IV) useful in preventing or treating ocular diseases, by modulating the folding, oligomerization or aggregation of amyloid .beta. in ocular cells. Methods of administration of these medicaments include systemic, transpleural, oral, intravenously, intraarterial, intramuscular, topical, via inhalation, transdermal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, gastrointestinal, and directly to the eye or tissues surrounding the eyes. ##STR00001##