The disparate effects of APE1/Ref-1 redox inhibitors on Nrf2 levels in RPE cells compared to cancer cells leave open the question on the mechanism by which APE1/Ref-1 inhibition ameliorates oxidative stress in ocular tissues, how these effects contribute to neovascularization and what is the relative role of Nrf2 in the process. Here, APEX1 is linked to cancer.