Walsh & Hoyt: Alterations in Corneal Sensation

Alterations in corneal sensitivity occur normally with variations in physiologic and environmental factors. Corneal sensitivity decreases steadily with age. In addition, the corneas of brown-eyed individuals are generally less sensitive than those in blue-eyed individuals. However, persons with congenital heterochromia have no significant difference in corneal sensitivity between eyes, suggesting that the difference in sensitivity between blue eyes and brown eyes may not be related to differences in corneal innervation but rather to inherent differences in a higher sensory mechanism subserving corneal sensation. Iatrogenic corneal hypesthesia. Corneal hypesthesia from acquired disease. Congenital and inherited corneal hypesthesia.