Yet another smoking risk --eye inflammation (uveitis)

Uveitis, an inflammation of the eye's middle layer of tissue, is responsible for about 10 percent of blindness in the United States. And smoking may increase the risk of contracting uveitis. Researchers found that smokers were 2.2 times more likely to contract uveitis than patients who had never smoked. One particularly notable relationship was found between smoking and inflammatory central macular edema which is the swelling of the central area of the retina. The compounds contained in cigarette smoke trigger inflammation of the blood vessels within the eye which may lead to uveitis. Uveitis can damage many structures within the eye including the iris and the retina. If any symptoms of uveitis such as eye redness, pain, blurred vision and sensitivity are noted, you should be examined by an eye care professional.* Elise Ervin Staff Writer