Delayed Acute Granulomatous Anterior Uveitis after Inadvertent Intraocular Injection of Tattoo Ink from a Scleral Tattoo Procedure.

Purpose: To improve awareness of delayed onset uveitis in patients with a history of intraocular tattoo ink injection.

Results

A 47-year-old man underwent a scleral tattoo procedure during which there was inadvertent intraocular injection of tattoo ink into his right eye. He subsequently developed endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and retinal necrosis. He was treated with intravitreal and oral antibiotics and underwent vitreoretinal surgical intervention. A vitreous specimen was obtained and demonstrated significantly elevated levels of several heavy metals. One month later, he developed an acute granulomatous anterior uveitis in the same eye that was managed with a combination of topical and perioperative intravitreal, intravenous, and oral corticosteroids.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of monitoring patients with a history of intraocular tattoo ink injection for delayed onset uveitis in addition to retinal toxicity.