Enables lactoylglutathione lyase activity. Is expressed in several structures, including alar plate midbrain region; digestive system; eye; midbrain; and segmental plate. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in autistic disorder; diabetic retinopathy; end stage renal disease; type 2 diabetes mellitus; and vascular disease. Orthologous to human GLO1 (glyoxalase I).