Optic Neuritis As the Initial Presentation of Syphilis

Syphilis is transmitted via sexual contact and spreads through the lymphatic and hematologic systems. Ocular syphilis is an uncommon yet serious manifestation of syphilis that can cause significant vision impairment. This report presents a case of ocular syphilis in a 41-year-old otherwise healthy woman who presented with left-sided blurry vision and ocular discomfort. Examination confirmed decreased visual acuity and optic disc swelling in the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested optic neuritis. After ruling out other causes of optic neuritis and considering the presentation and diagnostic tests, including nontreponemal and treponemal, the diagnosis of ocular syphilis was confirmed. The patient was started on ceftriaxone and fully recovered.