Neonatal conjunctivitis – a review

Ophthalmia neonatorum remains a significant cause of ocular morbidity, blindness and even death in underdeveloped countries. The organisms causing ophthalmia neonatorum are acquired mainly from the mother’s birth canal during delivery and a small percentage of cases are acquired by other ways. Chlamydia and Neisseria are the most common pathogens responsible for the perinatal infection. Fortunately in most cases, laboratory studies can identify the causative organism and unlike other form of conjunctivitis, this perinatal ocular infection has to be treated with systemic antibiotics to prevent systemic colonization of the organism. Routine prophylaxis with 1% silver nitrate solution (crédés method) has been discontinued in many developed nations for the fear of development of chemical conjunctivitis.