Final answer:
The trigeminal nerve is responsible for the loss of sensation to the cornea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nerve responsible for the loss of sensation to the cornea is the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve carries somatosensory information from the face, including the cornea. When the cornea is stimulated, such as by a tactile stimulus, the sensory component of the corneal reflex travels through the trigeminal nerve, resulting in blinking as a protective reflex.