Our Summary

This research paper discusses a unique case of a young woman who developed vision problems after getting her third tattoo. The doctors did a series of tests to rule out any infections or inflammatory diseases. They noticed a yellowish spot near the center of the retina in her left eye and some other disturbances in the outer layer of her retina.

The paper suggests that eye doctors treating a specific type of eye inflammation, called uveitis, should consider the possibility that tattoos could be a factor, especially as more people are getting tattoos. In other words, there might be a link between tattoos and certain eye conditions.

FAQs

  1. What is the potential link between tattoos and retinal disruptions?
  2. What are some symptoms of retinal disruptions that could be associated with tattoos?
  3. What should ophthalmologists treating uveitis consider regarding their patients’ potential tattoo history?

Doctor’s Tip

Tip: After retinal surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions closely. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress. Taking these steps can help ensure the best possible outcome after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for retinal surgery include those with conditions such as retinal detachment, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, macular pucker, and vitreous hemorrhage. These conditions can cause significant visual impairment and may require surgical intervention to restore or preserve vision. Additionally, patients with certain types of retinal tumors or vascular abnormalities may also be candidates for retinal surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  1. Patient experiences impairment of visual acuity after receiving a tattoo on her arm.
  2. Systemic medical and laboratory work-up performed to rule out infectious agent or inflammatory disease.
  3. Yellowish juxtafoveal lesion in left eye identified along with plaque-like outer retinal disruption and focal pigmentary defects using multi-modal diagnostic imaging.

After retinal surgery:

  1. Ophthalmologists consider the uncommon association between uveitis and tattoo inflammation.
  2. Patients are questioned regarding tattoos and tattoo inflammation due to the rise of subjects undergoing artistic tattooing.
  3. Treatment and follow-up care are provided to manage the retinal condition and improve visual acuity.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending retinal surgery in my case?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery?

  3. What is the success rate of this type of surgery for my specific condition?

  4. What is the recovery process like after retinal surgery?

  5. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my vision after the surgery?

  6. Are there any alternative treatments to consider before opting for surgery?

  7. How many retinal surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?

  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions after the surgery?

  9. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential complications after retinal surgery?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to protect my eyesight following the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Orellana Rios J, Verdaguer Díaz JI, Agee J, Theodore Smith R. Journal: Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed). 2018 Apr;93(4):193-197. doi: 10.1016/j.oftal.2017.07.002. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28844569