An Australian investigation has highlighted a rare but potentially sight-threatening condition known as tattoo-associated uveitis, after researchers documented dozens of new cases across the country.
The research, published in Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, identified 40 confirmed cases.
It was conducted at a number of organisations around Australia, including the Royal Perth Hospital, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, and can lead to glaucoma, permanent vision loss and the need for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy if untreated. While the condition remains rare, specialists believe it may be under-recognised as tattoos become increasingly common globally.
In their conclusion, the researchers wrote that the previously rare condition had “become a regular entity in Australian uveitis clinics, in a population where 25% of people have tattoos”.
They said it appeared tattoo ink could provoke an unexpected immune response years after the tattoo was applied.
One patient featured in the report initially believed she had conjunctivitis as her vision deteriorated, only to discover the underlying cause was a tattoo she had received years earlier.
According to the study, most affected patients required long-term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, and only three patients experienced no vision loss during treatment.
