Lay summary
With an aging population, age related diseases of the eye are increasingly common resulting in the need for surgery. Vitrectomy is a common procedure in which the vitreous humor is removed to allow access to diseased retina and replaced with saline. Unfortunately, a consequence of vitrectomy, is the development of a cataract which requires further surgery. We propose that the vitreous is important in maintaining low levels of oxygen in the eye and that removal of the vitreous and replacement with saline, increases oxygen levels, resulting in antioxidant imbalance and cataract formation. This study proposes to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in cataract formation post vitrectomy and to design and test intervention therapies that reduce oxygen levels, restore antioxidant balance and preserve lens transparency. A major research impact is the potential to transform the management of patients’ post-vitrectomy resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced health care costs.