Association between vascular risk factors and the presence of uveitic macular edema in non-infectious uveitis: A retrospective cohort study in a southern Spain population

Purpose To determine the effect of age and other vascular risk factors (VRFs) – arterial hypertension (AHT), hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and obesity defined by a high body mass index (BMI) – on the presence of uveitic macular edema (UME) in patients with uveitis.Methods A retrospective observational cohort study of 390 patients with non-infectious uveitis treated at the University Hospital of Jerez from 2015 to 2021 was carried out. Data collected included age, sex, follow-up time (months), AHT, hypercholesterolemia, DM, smoking, and BMI. Patients were divided into those with UME (n = 84) and those without UME (n = 306). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between VRFs and the presence of UME.Results A total of 84 patients presented with UME (21.5%). Patients with a high BMI were 2.031 times more likely to develop UME (OR 2.031, 95% CI 1.238–3.331, p = 0.005) compared to those with normal weight. Smokers had a 1.681-fold increased risk compared to non-smokers (OR 1.681, 95% CI 1.003–2.817, p = 0.04).Conclusions History of smoking and high BMI were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of UME in patients with uveitis. These findings may have important clinical implications, as smoking and high BMI are potentially modifiable factors. Recognizing and addressing these factors may contribute to improved risk management and disease control in patients with uveitis.