When Corneal Nerves Fall Silent

Clinical study reveals age-related sensory decline of cornea in aniridia patients

April 2, 2026
4 min

The Ophthalmologist

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Congenital aniridia, primarily caused by PAX6 haploinsufficiency, is more than an iris disorder; it involves foveal hypoplasia, cataract, glaucoma, and aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK). A recent study published in Cornea evaluated corneal sensory nerve function in 14 PAX6-aniridia patients, revealing a decline in sensory function correlated with age and AAK severity. Adults demonstrated significant impairment in mechanical and cold sensitivity, indicating a progressive nature of corneal nerve dysfunction. Early clinical intervention may mitigate future risks.