A gene associated with the formation of age-related cataract, a leading cause of blindness, has been identified by scientists. According to the study published in the July 31 issue of the journal PLoS Genetics, the EphA2 gene encodes an enzyme that plays a role in the repair of damaged proteins in the eye. However, the expression of the EphA2 gene decreases with age. As a result, damaged proteins can clump together and cause the eye lens to become cloudy, leading to obscured vision.