GLUTATHIONE AND THE EYE

Glutathione, the master antioxidant, is critical for the health of the eyes: it protects against chemical and oxidative stress, to which portions of the eye are particularly vulnerable. Maintaining adequate levels of glutathione in the lens nucleus is critical for protection from the effects of oxidative stress and also for lens transparency. In fact, research shows that where age-related cataracts are concerned, the harder the lens nucleus the less glutathione present. Glutathione also plays an important role in hydration. 

Unfortunately as we age, our glutathione levels decrease and our antioxidant defence systems are overwhelmed. This results in increased
oxidative stress and damage to tissues of the eye and leads to such problems as corneal opacities, lens cataracts, and glaucoma.

Changes in glutathione activity in the lens, cornea, retina and other eye tissues occur with ageing, cataract, diabetes, irradiation, and administration of some drugs. Recent research suggests that the lens is not just important for vision: as a reservoir of glutathione, it may be instrumental in the health of the eyes. Cataract surgery to remove the lens may have long term effects that could affect the functionality of other parts of the eye.

Source; The Glutathione Connection

Further Reading:

Glutathione-related enzymes and the eye.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16421014

Novel roles for the lens in preserving overall ocular health.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27282996

Glutathione attenuates nitric oxide-induced retinal lipid and protein changes.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25761579

Antioxidant Delivery Pathways in the Anterior Eye [Free Full Text]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3804153/

Antioxidant content and cytological examination of aqueous fluid from patients with age-related cataracts at different stages. [Free Full Text]
http://www.geneticsmr.com//year2015/vol14-2/pdf/gmr5319.pdf

Connexin 46 (cx46) gap junctions provide a pathway for the delivery of glutathione to the lens nucleus. [Free Full Text]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4239621/

Alpha-lipoic acid restores tear production in an animal model of dry eye.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24394592

A link between maternal malnutrition and depletion of glutathione in the developing lens: a possible explanation for idiopathic childhood cataract? [Free Full Text]
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cxo.12076/full

Role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in conjunctival epithelial cells.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25574043

Lens glutathione homeostasis: Discrepancies and gaps in knowledge standing in the way of novel therapeutic approaches.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27373973