Uveitic Complications Associated with Smoking Status

Abstract

Abstract Background/Objectives: Smoking is a modifiable health risk factor that can worsen various health outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to determine the association between the development of uveitic complications and smoking status. Subjects/Methods: This was a retrospective observational study consisting of 2 946 subjects with uveitis with documented smoking status from January 2008 to December 2020. Uveitic complications were examined in ex-smokers, current smokers and non-smokers. Results: Current smokers accounted for 9.9% and ex-smokers for 15.5%. Māori and Pacific Peoples were over-represented in ex-smokers and current smokers (p<0.001). On univariate analysis, current smoking was associated with higher odds of posterior synechiae (OR = 1.452, p = 0.009). When controlled for age and gender, current smoking was still associated with higher odds of posterior synechiae (OR = 1.367, p = 0.031). When controlled for age, gender and ethnicity, posterior synechiae was no longer significantly associated with current smoking (OR = 1.272, p = 0.108). There was a tendancy towards a lower odds of occlusive vasculitis in current smokers when controlled for demographics, although this did not quite reach significance (OR 0.400, p=0.082). Conclusion: Smoking may be an important factor in the development of some uveitic complications such as posterior synechiae. Ethnic disparities in smoking cessation need to be addressed in a culturally sensitive way and it is important for treating ophthalmologists to counsel patients on smoking cessation for their overall general health.