Aniridia

Aniridia, meaning 'without iris', is a rare genetic disorder affecting vision, characterized by incomplete formation of the eye iris (the colored part of the eye that surrounds the black pupil). It may also cause other parts of the eye to be under-developed such as the optic nerve and the macula (the central part of the retina). People with Aniridia may also develop other eye conditions. Aniridia and these associated conditions affect everyone differently. So while some people are partially sighted or blind, others may have near normal sight.

Aniridia is congenital (present at birth) It affects 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 100,000 people, and affects males and females equally.

Associated Conditions

People with Aniridia may also experience secondary conditions-most people with Aniridia will not develop all of these and some may not develop any at all.

• Photophobia: Sensitivity to light that can dazzle and make it difficult to see. It can also cause discomfort, pain or headaches.
• Nystagmus: Constant involuntary movement of the eyeball.
• Glaucoma: Elevated pressure in the eyeball that may permanently damage the optic nerve.
• Cataracts: Clouding of the lens.
• Keratopathy: A variety of conditions that affect the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, due to a deficiency of limbal stem cells.