AIM:To investigate the clinical features of ocular syphilis.

METHODS:The clinical data of 13 patients with active ocular syphilis were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis was made first in eye clinic. Twelve patients received systemic penicillin therapy and 1 patient was treated with ceftriaxone due to penicillin allergy.

RESULTS:The major ocular manifestations included chorioretinitis(9 cases, 17 eyes), neuroretinitis(2 cases, 3 eyes), optic neuritis(1 case, 1 eye), exudative retinal detachment(1 case, 2 eyes). The mean follow-up visual acuity was 0.56±0.23, and follow-up of(rapid plasma reagin)RPR titer was 1:16.6.

CONCLUSION:Ocular syphilis has different manifestations, which is easy to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Oculist should be vigilant to detect and treat early.