Glutathione plays an essential role in maintaining lens clarity by preventing protein aggregation through reduction of disulfide bonds. It also protects cell membrane integrity and the sodium-potassium pump from oxidative damage. Depletion of glutathione in the lens is an important factor in cataract formation. Maintaining adequate levels of glutathione and its precursors such as vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, selenium, and riboflavin may help prevent cataract development and progression.