Which aspect related to the cornea decreases with age?

As individuals age, corneal sensitivity tends to decline due to a reduction in the density and function of nerve fibers in the cornea. This decrease in sensitivity is significant because the cornea is rich in sensory nerve endings, primarily from the trigeminal nerve. With age, there is a natural decline in these nerve fibers, which can lead to a diminished ability to perceive sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch in the cornea. This results in a lower overall sensitivity of the corneal surface, making it less receptive to stimuli.

Understanding why this change occurs is vital. The decrease in corneal sensitivity can contribute to issues like delayed wound healing and an increased risk of corneal erosion or injury, as individuals may not perceive damage or irritation as acutely as they did when younger. Monitoring corneal sensitivity can therefore be an important part of managing ocular health in aging populations.

In contrast to the decrease in sensitivity, aspects such as light scattering, basement membrane thickness, and Descemet's membrane thickness either remain constant or may even increase with age. Light scattering can become more prominent due to changes in corneal hydration and structural alterations, which are not directly associated with an aging-related decrease. Hence, while the cornea undergoes many changes as