Keeping an eye on syphilis

Abstract

Background and objective The objective of this article was to alert general practitioners (GPs) to the increase in ocular syphilis in the context of a worsening epidemic of syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM). Method This study used a retrospective case review of ocular syphilis cases that presented to the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital from January 2015 to August 2016. Results Twelve patients (19 eyes) were identified, including 11 males. The mean age was 35 years, and seven men were identified as MSM. Two men were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at presentation. Blurred vision (n = 10) and/or floaters (n = 9) were the most common presenting symp..