I knew I didn't like tattoos

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One of today’s interesting news items involves tattoos and the health risk that is being linked to them. Tattoo-associated uveitis, an auto-immune problem, can lead to permanent vision loss and glaucoma, with patients requiring immunosuppressants for the rest of their lives. While the condition is thought to be relatively rare, 40 new cases have recently been documented in Australia. For some reason, the immune system targets the eye. Early symptoms include blurred vision, light sensitivity, and pain, leading to glaucoma and permanent vision loss. Most cases occur a year or two after having a tattoo but in one case 35 years had passed before the condition manifested itself. Twenty to thirty percent of Australians have at least one tattoo and uveitis is still considered a rare condition. However, it’s unknown how many cases might be out there that have been wrongly diagnosed. Researchers agree the new findings are unlikely to put people off getting tattooed so they’re focussed on finding what element in the ink might be causing the problem. Vince's photo is of a man in Thailand praying while he is tattoed.