Aussies are being warned about the “small but increasing number” of people developing an eye condition after getting a tattoo that can cause blindness.
Getting inked is far more common these days, with between 20–33 per cent of people in Australia having a tattoo, according to University of NSW research.
But optometry experts at Deakin University, Linda Robinson and James Andrew Armitage, said a “rare”, tattoo-related eye condition is on the rise due to toxic chemicals found inside the ink.
“The vast majority of people don’t react to these chemicals. But in some cases, they may trigger a harmful immune response,” the optometry experts said in an article for The Conversation.
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“This happens when a person’s immune system recognises the ink as being dangerous and starts attacking the tattoo site.
“This can cause inflammation, both of the tattooed skin and other parts of the body.”
There have now been dozens of cases where the inflammation has travelled into the eye, and more specifically, into the uvea, which helps your eye focus.
A study published by the UNSW in January found toxic metals and carcinogens were found in Aussie tattoo inks at levels that “would be illegal in the European Union”.
But that research stopped short of investigating whether these levels had any adverse health impacts.
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What is the eye condition related to tattoos?
The condition that causes the blindness and other issues is called “tattoo-associated uveitis” (TAU), and earlier this year it was revealed that 40 cases around the world had been identified by Australian researchers.
That’s double the number of globally-recorded cases in 2010.
The researchers said that while it was a previously rare condition, it’s now become a “regular entity” in Aussie uveitis clinics.
Even more concerning, is that more than half (52 per cent) of those 40 cases were under the age of 30.
Deakin University optometry experts Linda Robinson and James Andrew Armitage said TAU is a small but growing problem. Source: LinkedIn/Deakin University
Three of the 40 patients had no visual loss, 30 suffered temporary vision loss, while seven went permanently blind.
Robinson and Armitage explained the common symptoms that pop up with TAU:
Increased sensitivity to light
But in severe instances, TAU can result in a person developing glaucoma, and if that is left untreated, or if treatment is delayed, that condition can cause a person to go blind.
The condition can start with inflammation around the tattoo site, which can kick in between three months to 10 years after getting inked.
A 2026 review found larger tattoos, and tattoos made of black ink, were more likely to cause TAU.
Robinson and Armitage said there’s also evidence that people with “over-active immune systems” can be more likely to develop the condition.
How do you treat tattoo-associated uveitis?
The level of treatment will depend on how severe the TAU has become.
In milder cases, it can be brought under control with steroid eyedrops, which can suppress the immune cells that cause the inflammation in the first place.
However, the Deakin University experts said patients might also have to undergo a procedure that could make some peoples’ skin crawl.
While the vast majority of people who get a tattoo will be fine, some will have a big reaction to the ink. Source: Getty
(Xeniya Stetsenko via Getty Images)
“In most cases, ophthalmologists need to inject steroids into the patient’s eyeball,” they said.
“This ensures the steroids go directly to the most inflamed area, where they can act quickly and effectively.
“Patients may also need to take immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate or adalimubab over a period of months or even years.”
However, they revealed that 75 per cent of patients can still experience temporary vision loss even after getting that treatment.
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“If you have a tattoo and notice any swelling at the tattoo site, you should speak to an optometrist as soon as possible,” Robinson and Armitage said.
“You should do the same if you experience any vision problems, such as sudden pain or redness in your eye.
“If your optometrist finds you have tattoo-related uveitis, they can refer you for treatment or to see an ophthalmologist.”
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