These findings have three major implications: (i) PPARα is neuroprotective in retinopathy of type 1 diabetes; (ii) PPARα increases mitochondrial efficiency and alleviates oxidative stress under diabetic conditions; and (iii) PPARα is a putative therapeutic target for retinopathy and other neurodegenerative conditions of type 1 diabetes. The gene discussed is PPARA; the disease is type 1 diabetes mellitus.