Smoking Is a Risk Factor For Uveitis

March 24, 2011

An article in Ophthalmology found that smoking increases the odds of getting uveitis 2.2 fold. Uveitis is an inflammatory disease of the eye, often of no particular cause, but sometimes related to inflammatory diseases like sarcoid, autoimmune diseases and arthritis. It usually does not cause too much harm to the eyes, but a fair number can get cataract, glaucoma and retinal problems that can cause vision loss.  The researchers speculate it’s due to toxic chemicals in the tobacco which may alter the body’s immune response. Just another good reason to stop smoking.

 

 



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