Researchers report that male gender and tobacco exposure (regardless of pack years) are independent risk factors for development of ocular sarcoidosis (OS).

Sarcoidosis is a multi-organ system granulomatous disease of unknown origin with an incidence of 1-40/100,000. Though pulmonary manifestations are predominant, ocular morbidity is characteristic. Ocular Sarcoidosis (OS) affects 25-50% of patients with sarcoidosis and can lead to blindness. To date, no studies have sought to determine risk factors for OS.