Described herein are bifunctional molecules for use in a method of inhibiting or reversing the progression of cataract formation or presbyopia in an eye, wherein the bifunctional molecule comprises a substituted or unsubstituted amine, succinimide, carboxylic acid, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, sulfonyl chloride, aldehyde, carbodiimide, acyl azide, anhydride, fluorobenzene, carbonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, imidoester, epoxide or fluorophenyl ester covalently linked to a molecular bristle which is a polyethylene glycol. Both presbyopia and cataracts are caused by aggregation of the soluble crystalline lens proteins called the crystallins.
