The RANZCO Ethics committee approved a study conducted by the Uveitis SIG on tattoo- associated uveitis.
Findings from the study indicate that despite low overall incidence, with increasing numbers of people getting tattoos, incidence of uveitis caused by injected tattoo ink is rising and that the problem is worse in WA and VIC where tattoo parlours are not regulated.
An ABC article cites RANZCO Fellow Dr Josephine Richards, who notes that genetic factors may explain why the infection is triggered in some patients. However, more research is needed into tattoo related infection to better understand risk factors.
Please also read the scientific publication co-authored by RANZCO Fellows, members of the Uveitis SIG.
This publication is also discussed in episode 2 of the podcast, Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Conversations.