Ocular prophylaxis in the newborn

In the first 4 weeks of life, an ocular infection is seen in 1–12% of newborns and this clinical situation is called “ophthalmia neonatorum.” The etiology includes bacterial, viral, and chemical causes. Unfortunately, severe conjunctivitis progressing to corneal ulceration and blindness may develop in the newborns due to inadequate ocular prophylaxis. The development of these cases can be prevented by screening the mothers during pregnancy and giving treatment if necessary and/or providing the newborns with appropriate ocular prophylaxis.