ABSTRACT
The function of the lens is to transmit and focus light. Ideal light refraction requires a thick, yet malleable, living tissue which is optically clear and uncolored, yet has a high refractive index. This function has been achieved by development of a highly specialized tissue which has a variety of major modifications as compared to undifferentiated epithelial tissue. Glutathione metabolism is affected by or is associated with many of these modifications. Glutathione occupies a position of importance in lens metabolism that is possibly unmatched by any other tissue. Significant loss of glutathione function invariably results in formation of opaque regions within the lens, i.e., formation of cataracts. All nonreversible cataracts contain only low levels of glutathione.
