Syphilitic Optic Neuropathy: Re-emerging Cases Over a 2-Year Period

Abstract

We report 7 cases of syphilitic optic neuropathy during a 2-year period. All patients were newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Six cases (86%) initially presented with swollen optic disc either unilaterally or bilaterally. Blind spot enlargement was the most common type of visual field defect. Final visual acuity of at least 20/25 was achieved together with visual field improvement and resolution of swollen optic disc. Optic nerve involvement can be the first manifestation of syphilis and HIV co-infection. Syphilitic optic neuropathy has an excellent prognosis if the disease diagnosed promptly and treated properly.