{"id":545012,"date":"2026-03-16T23:39:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/545012\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T23:39:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T23:39:20","slug":"tattoo-trend-causing-aussies-to-go-permanently-blind-on-the-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/545012\/","title":{"rendered":"Tattoo trend causing Aussies to go ‘permanently blind’ on the rise"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aussies are being warned about the “small but increasing number” of people developing an eye condition after getting a tattoo<\/a> that can cause blindness.<\/p>\n

Getting inked is far more common these days, with between 20<\/a>–33<\/a> per cent of people in Australia having a tattoo, according to University of NSW research<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But optometry experts at Deakin University, Linda Robinson and James Andrew Armitage, said a “rare”, tattoo-related eye condition<\/a> is on the rise due to toxic chemicals found inside the ink.<\/p>\n

“The vast majority of people don\u2019t 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

“This happens when a person\u2019s immune system recognises the ink as being dangerous and starts attacking the tattoo site.<\/p>\n

“This can cause inflammation, both of the tattooed skin and other parts of the body.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

A study published by the UNSW<\/a> in January found toxic metals and carcinogens were found in Aussie tattoo inks at levels that “would be illegal in the European Union”.<\/p>\n

But that research stopped short of investigating whether these levels had any adverse health impacts.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story? Email stew.perrie@yahooinc.com<\/p>\n

What is the eye condition related to tattoos?<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That’s double the number of globally-recorded cases in 2010.<\/p>\n

The researchers said that while it was a previously rare condition, it’s now become a “regular entity” in Aussie uveitis clinics.<\/p>\n

Even more concerning, is that more than half (52 per cent) of those 40 cases were under the age of 30.<\/p>\n

\"Deakin<\/p>\n

Deakin University optometry experts Linda Robinson and James Andrew Armitage said TAU is a small but growing problem. Source: LinkedIn\/Deakin University<\/p>\n

Three of the 40 patients had no visual loss, 30 suffered temporary vision loss, while seven went permanently blind.<\/p>\n

Robinson and Armitage explained the common symptoms that pop up with TAU:<\/p>\n

Increased sensitivity to light<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The condition can start with inflammation around the tattoo site, which can kick in between three months to 10 years after getting inked.<\/p>\n

A 2026 review<\/a> found larger tattoos, and tattoos made of black ink, were more likely to cause TAU.<\/p>\n

Robinson and Armitage said there’s also evidence that people with “over-active immune systems” can be more likely to develop the condition.<\/p>\n

How do you treat tattoo-associated uveitis?<\/p>\n

The level of treatment will depend on how severe the TAU has become.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

However, the Deakin University experts said patients might also have to undergo a procedure that could make some peoples’ skin crawl.<\/p>\n

\"Professional<\/p>\n

While the vast majority of people who get a tattoo will be fine, some will have a big reaction to the ink. Source: Getty<\/p>\n

(Xeniya Stetsenko via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

“In most cases, ophthalmologists need to inject steroids into the patient\u2019s eyeball,” they said.<\/p>\n

“This ensures the steroids go directly to the most inflamed area, where they can act quickly and effectively.<\/p>\n

“Patients may also need to take immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate or adalimubab over a period of months or even years.”<\/p>\n

However, they revealed that 75 per cent of patients can still experience temporary vision loss even after getting that treatment.<\/p>\n

SHOP:<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“You should do the same if you experience any vision problems, such as sudden pain or redness in your eye.<\/p>\n

“If your optometrist finds you have tattoo-related uveitis, they can refer you for treatment or to see an ophthalmologist.”<\/p>\n

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