Selenite cataract is a fairly recently described, experimental animal model for cataract (1). Selenite cataract has been extensively characterized histologically (2) and biochemically (3,4). The model has been particularly useful for studies on the roles of calcium accumulation and lens proteolysis in cataract formation (4). This review describes current knowledge of the biochemical mechanism for selenite cataract and indicates how the model may be used for further understanding of cataractogenesis in general.