To investigate the protective effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on oxidative damage in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-exposed human lens epithelial cell lines (SRA01/04) and the possible mechanisms underlying its protective effects. Treatment of SRA01/04 cells with NR significantly increased cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis and ROS generation, whereas SOD and CAT activities and total GSH and MMP levels were improved by the NR treatment in an H2O2-exposed cell model. Furthermore, NR significantly inhibited the activation of the MAPK pathway but promoted activation of the JAK2/Stat3 pathway compared with the model group.