Second only to mental illnesses, we largely fear losing our sense of sight (Horowitz et al. 1997, Cepko 2001). Loss of vision is detrimental and can result from a functional compromise of various components of the eye. However, opacification of the transparent lens – clinically termed cataract – remains the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataract affects over 77 million individuals and its incidence continues to rise with increase in human life expectancy. Surgery remains the only treatment, carrying with it the risk of secondary cataract formation – an undesirable complication, especially in the elderly. Therefore, strategies to prevent or delay the onset of this disease need to be designed, a challenge for which comprehensive understanding of the development and maintenance of this unique tissue is essential
