qPCR results showed that oxidative stress upregulated DKK3 and downregulated GSTM1 expression, both in a dose-dependent manner, consistent with MR findings, supporting DKK3 as a risk factor and GSTM1 as a protective factor for cataract.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This study identified and validated DKK3 and GSTM1 as key genes in cataract pathogenesis. Here, DKK3 is linked to cataract.