Function
Contributes to the transparency and refractive index of the lens. Isoform 1 is capable of inhibiting bacterial growth in the lens. Has chaperone-like activity, preventing aggregation of various proteins under a wide range of stress conditions. C-terminal truncated forms alpha-crystallin A(1-162), alpha-crystallin A(1-157) and alpha-crystallin A(1-151) have lower chaperone activity.