Syphilis Nearly Blinds Man, Eye Doctors Issue Warning

A severe case of ocular syphilis nearly blinded a 52-year-old man in Bulgaria, highlighting the sexually transmitted disease's potential to cause catastrophic vision loss. The infection rapidly caused inflammation throughout both eyes, severely damaging his retina and optic nerve, leading to profound visual impairment.

This incident underscores the dangers of untreated syphilis, which can spread from genital sores throughout the body, affecting major organs. In the United States, syphilis cases have seen a dramatic rise since 2020, with rates increasing by over 50 percent. Congenital syphilis, passed from mother to newborn, is also a growing concern, with cases skyrocketing.

Fortunately, the Bulgarian patient responded to aggressive treatment with intravenous penicillin and steroids. Within 14 weeks, his vision significantly improved, though he experienced lingering light sensitivity. This recovery demonstrates that prompt medical intervention can prevent permanent blindness from ocular syphilis.