Inflammation of the conjunctiva in a newborn due to chemical or infectious causes. Aseptic conjunctivitis is often related to the use of prophylactic medications for infectious conjunctivitis. Septic conjunctivitis is related to perinatal exposure to microorganisms.
Symptoms of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
The following features are indicative of Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
pain and tenderness in the eyeball
conjunctival discharge
swelling in eyelids
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Common Causes of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
The following are the most common causes of Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
exposure to chemical irritants
neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterial infection
chlamydia trachomatis infections
Risk Factors for Ophthalmia Neonatorum
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
premature rupturing of maternal membranes
premature delivery
Prevention of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Ophthalmia Neonatorum. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
application of eye drops on regular basis into infants' eyes after the delivery
recommendation of Cesarean section in case if mother is suffered from herpes virus infection
Occurrence of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Ophthalmia Neonatorum most commonly occurs in the following age group:
After birth
Common Gender
Ophthalmia Neonatorum can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
Culturing method: Looks after bacterial or viral growth which leads to drainage from eyes
Slit Lamp Examination: Diagnose damage to the surface of the eyeball
Doctor for Diagnosis of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
Pediatrician
Complications of Ophthalmia Neonatorum if untreated
Yes, Ophthalmia Neonatorum causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Ophthalmia Neonatorum is left untreated:
blindness
corneal opacification
Staphyloma formation
Procedures for Treatment of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
The following procedures are used to treat Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
Surgery: Procedure to reopen the blocked air ducts
Self-care for Ophthalmia Neonatorum
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
Gentle warm massage between the eye and nasal area: Reopened the blocked air ducts
Time for Treatment of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Ophthalmia Neonatorum to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision: