Ocular sarcoidosis more likely in smokers

A new study has suggested that smoking and male gender are each significant risk factors for developing ocular sarcoidosis.

Ocular involvement occured in around 25 per cent of patients and includes chronic anterior uveitis, chorioretinitis with characteristic 'candle-wax' exudates seen on the fundus  (see image) and granulomatous changes in the lacrimal glands and the iris.

As with many systemic inflammatory conditions, it has a female gender predisposition.

However, the study, presented last week at the American Thoracic Society International Conference, has shown that both males and smokers with the condition are respectively five and seven times more likely to suffer ocular complications.