A significant increase in hsa-miR-15a expression in the cortical subtype compared to the posterior subcapsular subtype <i>(p</i> = 0.003) and a significant decrease in <i>BCL-2</i> and <i>MCL-1</i> expressions in the cortical subtype compared to the nuclear and the posterior subcapsular subtype was detected.<b>Conclusions:</b> The increased expression of hsa-miR-15a in lens epithelial cells of cataract patients may repress the expression of <i>BCL-2</i> and <i>MCL-1</i>.