As we age, one significant change in the lens is the formation of vacuoles. What causes this?

The formation of vacuoles in the lens as we age is primarily due to the separation of water from proteins within the lens fibers. The lens is composed of tightly packed lens fibers that contain a high concentration of crystallins, which are proteins that help maintain clarity and refractive properties. As we age, various biochemical changes occur, and one notable effect is the alteration in the balance of water and proteins in the lens.

When water separates from the proteins, it can lead to the formation of vacuoles, which are essentially small, fluid-filled spaces within the lens fibers. This separation disrupts the normal arrangement of the proteins, contributing to the overall transparency and optical quality of the lens being compromised. As vacuoles form, they scatter light and can lead to visual issues such as blurred vision or increased glare, which are often associated with cataracts.

The other options highlight different mechanisms affecting lens biology. Loss of glutathione can lead to oxidative stress, affecting lens proteins and potentially leading to cataract formation, but it is not directly responsible for vacuole formation. The sodium/potassium pump's decreased function could influence ionic balance and lens hydration but does not directly correlate with vacuole formation. Lastly, while loss of lenticular