[The aging lens--new concepts for lens aging].

Epidemiological changes within the next decades will lead to an increase in the world population and to life expectancy. These changes will in turn lead to an increase in age correlated lens opacities and cataracts. Intensive research on cataract formation therefore becomes more and more important for socioeconomic reasons. In addition to the known risk factors, increased attention is currently being paid to oxidative processes. Typically, changes in the old lens are caused by the failure of protective systems and an accumulation of metabolic end-products and their influence on light transmission. Advanced glycation end-products and their potential inhibition seem to play a key role.