Neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is an eye infection that affects newborns, usually within the first month of life. This serious condition is often caused by sexually transmitted infections in the mother and can lead to permanent eye damage or blindness if not treated promptly.
If your newborn shows signs of eye discharge, swelling, or redness, you can get personalised advice from licensed doctors through Hope Plus. Early medical care can prevent severe complications and protect your baby’s vision.
Key Takeaways
- Neonatal conjunctivitis is an eye infection in babies that can be caused by STIs in the mother.
- Immediate treatment is critical to prevent complications such as corneal scarring and blindness.
- Both mother and father may need screening and treatment to prevent reinfection.
- Prophylactic eye ointment at birth can help prevent this condition.
Causes
- STI-related: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the most common causes.
- Non-STI-related: Difficult labour, early rupture of membranes, vacuum-assisted delivery, or other birth complications can predispose the baby to infection.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Pus or discharge from one or both eyes within 30 days of birth
- Swollen, red, or inflamed eyelids
- Increased tearing or discomfort
Investigations
- Eye discharge swabs for Gram stain, culture, and sensitivity to identify the exact cause.
Treatment
- Ceftriaxone 125 mg is prescribed as a single intramuscular dose.
- Azithromycin syrup 20 mg/kg orally is given once daily for three days.
- Eyes are irrigated gently with normal saline or sterile water.
- Tetracycline eye ointment is applied while cleaning the eyes, though it does not treat active infection.
- Both parents are tested and treated for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, and screened for HIV and syphilis.
- Caregivers should use gloves and wash hands thoroughly when handling the baby’s eyes, covering the eye with gauze during cleaning if pus is present.
Prevention
- Pregnant women are routinely screened and treated for infections during antenatal care.
- All newborns should receive prophylactic tetracycline eye ointment 1% immediately after birth.
Early detection and timely treatment of neonatal conjunctivitis are essential. With proper care, the risks of vision loss can be significantly reduced, giving babies a healthy start to life.
