What Causes And Increases The Risk Of Uveitis?

Smoking

While smoking has been a known risk factor for eye issues such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts for several decades, scientists have only recently started to understand its association with uveitis. In a 2010 study conducted in California, scientists analyzed the medical records of uveitis patients seen at an eye clinic between 2002 and 2009. The researchers looked specifically at whether the patients were smokers or non-smokers. After analyzing the material, the study authors determined the subjects who were smokers had 2.2 times the risk of developing uveitis when compared to patients at the clinic who had never smoked. In particular, the authors noted a very strong link between smoking and the incidence of swelling in the center of the retina among patients with a specific type of uveitis. Although additional research is needed to determine the reasons for this association, eye doctors believe the link exists because cigarette smoke and tobacco products contain compounds that promote inflammation throughout the body, including in the eyes.

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