The transcription factor PAX6 was significantly reduced at the mRNA level in IC samples from patients with EBMD, SND, pterygium, and congenital aniridia, measuring about half of the levels observed in controls (p = 0.016, p = 0.012, p = 0.02, p = 0.001) (Figure 2A). Here, PAX6 is linked to epithelial basement membrane dystrophy.