The expression of sequence encoding cre recombinase was driven by a modified alpha A crystallin promoter. The promoter consists of -282/+43 of the mouse Cryaa gene with an inserted copy of Pax6 consensus binding site in a 5' to 3' orientation at position -86 of the promoter. Seven lines were created with this line having expression of the transgene in both the lens epithelium and lens fiber cells but not in other parts of the eye.