This invention provides a method for treating an eye disease in a patient comprising: providing a photosensitive prodrug that releases upon exposure to light an active ingredient to treat the eye disease; administering the prodrug in a pharmaceutically accepted vehicle to the subject, and exposing the eye of the subject to an external light source to cause the prodrug to release the active ingredient. This invention also provides a composition for the treatment of glaucoma, comprising a compound containing a lithium ion-chelated in a crown ether- or aza-crown ether-containing chromene or diazene derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.