Methods for modulating development and function of photoreceptor cells

A method of treating an ocular disease or disorder associated with a retinal degenerative disease in a subject in need of such a treatment, said method consisting of administering to said subject a composition consisting of a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a nucleic acid encoding a nuclear hormone receptor (“NHR”) to an ocular or adnexal tissue of the subject to increase the expression of said NHR thereby treating said ocular disease or disorder in said subject, wherein said NHR is selected from the group consisting of NR2E3, RORA, NUPR1, NR2C1, and a combination thereof, and wherein said composition is administered locally to said ocular or adnexal tissue.