Earlier this year, public health officials in the United Kingdom issued an alert about a rise of ocular syphilis, a rare manifestation of this sexually transmitted infection that can cause blindness.

The alert has now been extended to the United States, where at least two states – California and Washington – have reported similar cases.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that affects both men and women. It spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

The infection can also be passed from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy, which is called congenital syphilis. Syphilis can cause serious health problems if not treated, but it is curable with antibiotics.

What is Ocular Syphilis?

Ocular syphilis is a rare manifestation of syphilis that affects the eyes. It occurs when the bacteria that cause syphilis spread to the eyes and can cause serious vision problems, even blindness.

Symptoms of ocular syphilis can include vision loss, eye pain, and changes in vision, among others.

Why the Rise of Ocular Syphilis?

The rise of ocular syphilis cases is concerning because it suggests an increase in syphilis in general. Syphilis rates have been rising for several years, particularly among men who have sex with men, but also among women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 129,813 new cases of syphilis reported in the United States in 2020, the highest number in more than 20 years.

The reasons for the rise in syphilis rates are complex and not fully understood.

Some factors that have been identified include decreased condom use, an increase in anonymous sexual encounters facilitated by dating apps, and a lack of awareness about syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.

How can Ocular Syphilis be Prevented?

The best way to prevent ocular syphilis is to prevent syphilis in general.

This can be done by practicing safer sex, including using condoms every time you have sex, getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections, and talking openly with sexual partners about testing and sexual health.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, it is important to get treated as soon as possible to prevent serious health problems. Treatment for syphilis typically involves a course of antibiotics.

What to do if You Think You Have Ocular Syphilis?

If you are experiencing vision problems or other symptoms of ocular syphilis and think you may have been exposed to syphilis, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Your provider can test you for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections and provide treatment if necessary.

Delaying treatment can lead to serious vision problems, even blindness, so it is important to seek care promptly.

Conclusion

The rise of ocular syphilis cases in the United States and the United Kingdom is a concerning trend that highlights the need for better prevention and management of syphilis.

By practicing safer sex, getting tested regularly, and seeking prompt treatment if diagnosed with syphilis, individuals can protect themselves from this and other sexually transmitted infections and their complications.