A method and composition for treating a macular condition selected from the group consisting of macular degeneration or macular edema. A therapeutically effective amount of a carbonic anhydrase isoform IX inhibitor is administered to the patient to normalize intracellular pH of retinal pigment epithelial cells. The carbonic anhydrase isoform IX inhibitor can be administered alone or in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of an ocular hypotensive agent sufficient to improve visual function.