Smoking complicates the course of non-infectious uveitis

Data concerning the association of smoking and uveitis are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tobacco smoking on uveitis activity and complications of noninfections uveitis and the need for immunosuppressive therapy.

We conducted an observational cross-sectional study in 350 patients with noninfectious uveitis. All patients completed a questionnaire concerning smoking habits. Primary outcome measure was uveitis activity in smokers as compared to nonsmokers; secondary outcome measures were need for immunosuppression and uveitis complications.

In all 115 patients (32.9%) were smokers. Smokers had an increased risk for active uveitis (OR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.9; p = 0.007). Smokers with anterior uveitis had anterior chamber cells more often than nonsmokers (p = 0.008) and required significantly more topical steroid eyedrops (p = 0.002). Uveitis developed at a younger age in smokers than in nonsmokers (p = 0.027). The number of smokers who needed any second-line immunosuppression (p = 0.642) and the number of immunosuppressive agents required (p = 0.794) did not differ from that for nonsmokers. The number of pack-years significantly increased the risk of macular edema (p = 0.020) und cataract (p = 0.022).

Smoking is associated with uveitis activity, leading to increased need for steroid eyedrops and increased incidence of cataract and macular edema. The results highlight the need to encourage uveitis patients to stop or at least to reduce their smoking.