Ocular syphilis. Acute and chronic.

We describe our experience over the past 2 years with the ocular manifestations in 32 patients with acute and chronic syphilis. We urge that syphilis be considered in evaluating those patients with recurrent iritis, chorioretinitis, papillitis, optic atrophy, or abnormal pupillary findings. Specific serologic testing (FTA-ABS) must be obtained. Screening serologies (VDRL) are inadequate. We suggest that patients with evidence for CSF involvement or active ocular disease be treated by continuous intravenous infusion of 24 million units penicillin G daily for 10 days.