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ophthalmia%20neonatorum
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM
Treatment Guideline Chart
Ophthalmia neonatorum is conjunctivitis occurring in a newborn during the first month of life.
It is also called neonatal conjunctivitis.
Organisms causing neonatal conjunctivitis are usually acquired from the infected birth canal of the mother during vaginal delivery, though some may acquire the infection from their immediate surroundings.
It is one of the leading cause of blindness in infants via corneal ulceration and subsequent opacification or perforation and endophthalmitis.

Ophthalmia%20neonatorum Patient Education

Patient Education

  • When appropriate, explain the natural history of the disease & the importance of prevention
  • Educate parents or caregiver to wash their hands frequently to prevent transmission of neonatal conjunctivitis
  • Educate pregnant women on:
    • The importance of having regular prenatal check up & prenatal care as prophylaxis
    • The importance of treating sexually transmitted infections to decrease the incidence of ophthalmia neonatorum
  • Emphasize the importance of treating the mother & her sexual partner(s) as usually the causative organism is sexually transmitted
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