Ocular manifestations of syphilis

Since the mid-1970s, the number of new cases of infectious syphilis has begun to increase. Ocular manifestations of secondary and late syphilis occur. The optometric role in the management of infectious syphilis is one of detection, consultation with internists and neurologists for systemic treatment, topical treatment of anterior uveitis, and monitoring for recurrence of disease. This report describes an elderly patient presenting with recurrent, bilateral iritis and optic atrophy as initial clinical manifestations of syphilitic infection.