Congenital aniridia: etiology, manifestations and management

Congenital aniridia manifests as total or partial absence of the iris caused most commonly by mutations in PAX6, FOXC1, PITX2, and CYP1B1. Recently two new genes, FOXD3 and TRIM44, have also been implicated in isolated studies. We discuss the genotype-phenotype correlations for the main implicated genes. Classic aniridia is a panocular condition, which includes aniridia, cataract, corneal pannus, foveal, and optic nerve hypoplasia associated with mutations in the PAX6 gene. Classical aniridia is due to PAX6 mutations, while other genes contribute to aniridia-like phenotypes. We review the challenges involved in the management of aniridia, and discuss various surgical interventions. The clinical importance of defining the genotype in cases of congenital aniridia has become acutely apparent with the advent of possible therapies for classical aniridia, which are discussed.