Ophthalmia neonatorum is a form of conjunctivitis that occurs in newborn infants during the first month after birth [1]. It is usually caused by neonatal bacterial infection, though chemical or other non-infectious exposures can also produce the condition [1].
Disease overview
Other Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Ophthalmia neonatorum, or neonatal conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the outer eye affecting newborns after birth and is the most common infection in the first month of life [1][2]. It is typically due to bacterial infection acquired during delivery but may also arise from non-infectious causes such as chemical exposure [1]. Serious systemic and ocular morbidity can result if specific pathogens are involved and the condition is left unmanaged [3][2].
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The disorder presents within the first month of life with conjunctival inflammation [1]. Infectious forms contracted from the birth canal may appear early (within five days) when due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae or later (around five days to two weeks) when due to Chlamydia trachomatis [1]. Untreated disease can progress to corneal ulceration, perforation, opacification, and staphyloma formation [1].
Historically in Europe, untreated neonatal conjunctivitis led to blindness in approximately 3% of cases and accounted for 25–40% of blindness cases in Germany [1].
Infectious ophthalmia neonatorum is typically acquired during vaginal delivery through exposure to bacteria from the birth canal, most commonly Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis [1]. Non-infectious forms may result from chemical exposure at or after delivery [1].
Application of antibiotic ointment to the newborn's eyes within one hour of birth is used to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia and is recommended for all newborns [1]. Most hospitals in the United States are required by state law to apply prophylactic eye drops or ointment shortly after birth [1]. Liposomal povidone-iodine eye drops have also been investigated as a prophylactic option against ophthalmia neonatorum [4].
- 1 Wikipedia contributors. Neonatal conjunctivitis - Wikipedia [Internet]. Wikipedia. cited 3 Sept 2026. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonatal_conjunctivitis
- 2 O'Hara MA et al. Ophthalmia neonatorum. Pediatr Clin North Am. 1993 Aug. PMID: 8345961. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8345961/
- 3 Friendly DS et al. Ophthalmia neonatorum. Pediatr Clin North Am. 1983 Dec. PMID: 6359042. doi: 10.1016/s0031-3955(16)34500-x. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6359042/
- 4 Reimer K et al. Povidone-iodine liposomes--an overview. Dermatology. 1997. PMID: 9403264. doi: 10.1159/000246039. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9403264/
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