Doctors are warning about a terrifying, little-known side effect of getting a tattoo

Forty people in Australia have been diagnosed with a rare sight-threatening condition connected to tattoos that can lead to permanent blindness, representing a significant surge in cases of the little-known ailment, PEOPLE reports.

The condition, called tattoo-associated uveitis, results from a presumed immune reaction to tattoo ink. The 40 cases identified in Australia represent double the number of cases recorded globally in 2010, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Nelize Pretorius experienced the alarming symptoms firsthand when her vision became blurry, first in one eye and then the other. She initially suspected conjunctivitis, but tests were negative as her sight worsened.

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