Contributes to the transparency and refractive index of the lens (PubMed:18302245). In its oxidized form (absence of intramolecular disulfide bond), acts as a chaperone, preventing aggregation of various proteins under a wide range of stress conditions (PubMed:18199971, PubMed:19595763, PubMed:22120592, PubMed:31792453). Required for the correct formation of lens intermediate filaments as part of a complex composed of BFSP1, BFSP2 and CRYAA (PubMed:28935373)

CytoplasmNucleus

Crystallins are the dominant structural components of the vertebrate eye lens

Cataract 22, multiple types

An opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye that frequently results in visual impairment or blindness. Opacities vary in morphology, are often confined to a portion of the lens, and may be static or progressive. In general, the more posteriorly located and dense an opacity, the greater the impact on visual function. CTRCT22 includes nuclear cataract among others. Nuclear cataracts affect the central nucleus of the eye, and are often not highly visually significant. The density of the opacities varies greatly from fine dots to a dense, white and chalk-like, central cataract. The condition is usually bilateral. Nuclear cataracts are often combined with opacified cortical fibers encircling the nuclear opacity, which are referred to as cortical riders.

Crystallins are the dominant structural components of the vertebrate eye lens

Cataract 42

An opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye that frequently results in visual impairment or blindness. Opacities vary in morphology, are often confined to a portion of the lens, and may be static or progressive. In general, the more posteriorly located and dense an opacity, the greater the impact on visual function.

Crystallins are the dominant structural components of the vertebrate eye lens

Cataract 39, multiple types

An opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye that frequently results in visual impairment or blindness. Opacities vary in morphology, are often confined to a portion of the lens, and may be static or progressive. In general, the more posteriorly located and dense an opacity, the greater the impact on visual function. CTRCT39 includes lamellar, anterior polar, and complete cataracts.