Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Alternate Names : Ophthalmia Neonatorum

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Many cases of neonatal conjunctivitis can be prevented by screening and treating pregnant women for STDs. Putting silver nitrate or antibiotic drops in newborns' eyes right after birth helps prevent gonococcal conjunctivitis. Infants born to mothers who have chlamydia infection should be treated with oral antibiotics.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Untreated gonococcal conjunctivitis can cause permanent scarring and blindness. Infections with pseudomonas can cause similar damage to the eye. This type of infection may also lead to bloodstream infection, shock, and death. Infants infected with chlamydia can develop pneumonia.

What are the risks to others?

Neonatal conjunctivitis can be passed from infant to infant in a nursery. This can happen if caregivers don't use good handwashing techniques.