What is ophthalmia neonatorum?

The definition of ophthalmia neonatorum (conjunctivitis of the newborn) is an eye infection that occurs within the first 30 days of life. It is caught during birth by contact with the mother’s birth canal that is infected with a sexually-transmitted disease. The infection may be bacterial, chlamydial or viral. Historically, gonorrhoea was the usual cause, but chlamydial infection is now more common. Globally, the prevalence of this infection varies widely according to prevailing socio-economic conditions, health education and maternal healthcare.

The baby’s eyes are red, the eyelids and the whites of the eyes are swollen and there is watering or a discharge. Usually both eyes are affected, but one may be worse than the other. One of the dangers of infection caused by the organism that causes gonorrhoea is that it may affect the cornea also. 

How is ophthalmia neonatorum managed?

Early diagnosis is important and for this reason, the optometrist is advised to refer all cases immediately to the on-call ophthalmologist. Swabs will be taken for culture and treatment started without delay, using antibiotics given by mouth or by injection or into a vein, and in eye drop form.