Compositions containing a phenylquinoline derivative compound having peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a (PPARα) agonistic activity, and methods of their use in enhancing PPARα activity in retinal cells, and in treating ocular disorders or conditions, such as but not limited to retinal inflammation, retinal neovascularization, retinal vascular leakage, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic macular edema are disclosed.