Living with Isolated aniridia
An eye condition present from birth in which the iris, the colored part of the eye, is partly or fully missing, often with other vision problems.
Understanding Isolated aniridia
It affects both eyes and is seen at birth. Besides the missing iris, many people have other eye differences such as an underdeveloped center of the retina, cataracts, and glaucoma. Vision is often less clear.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Missing or partly missing iris (aniridia)
- Less clear vision
- Clouding of the lens (cataract)
- Glaucoma
- Quick, rhythmic eye movements (nystagmus)
- Eyes that do not point the same way (strabismus)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Aniridia Foundation International
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.
Also known as: nonsyndromic aniridia
Patient organizations
- Aniridia Foundation InternationalIsolated aniridia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Isolated aniridia.
Explore research for Isolated aniridia
Explore actively recruiting Isolated aniridia studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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