What is Ophthalmia neonatorum?

Ophthalmia neonatorum is a type of eye infection that develops during the first few weeks of life. A newborn with a condition usually has a serious swelling around his eyes, eyes of redness and strong discharge. Most cases of the neonator ophthalmia are caused by chlamydia infections or gonorrhea -transmitted gonorrhea, but other bacteria and viruses can lead to symptoms. Medicated eye drops and local ointments are usually effective in removing infections in two to four weeks. In most modern hospitals, newborn eye drops contain nitrate and antibiotics solutions to help prevent infection. However, some bacteria and viruses they encounter when passing through the vaginal channel may, despite routine eye drops, cause opalmia neonatorum. The most common causes are chlamydia and gonorrhea, but genital herpes, streptococci and other substances can also produce infections. Initially, a congenital defect or obstruction of the innate tear canal can cause inflammation and swelling without basic infection.

Ophthalmia neonatorum is usually not obvious at the time of birth or eye drops. Symptoms of swelling and redness tend to develop for some time between the first and fourth week of life. When Chlamydia or other bacteria is responsible for the infection, a thick, sometimes bloody pus is released from the eyes. Untreated infection can cause serious cornea damage and maybe cause blindness, but such complications are unusual. It is important to talk to an expert in the first signs of infection infection.

The doctor can usually diagnose the ophthalmia neonatorum by a simple eye test. The eye tissue scratches are collected and analyzed for the determination of the basic pathogen. After diagnosis, the physician may administer antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or ointments. It can also explain the importance of cleaning the infant's eyes during the recovery phase to avoid recurring infections. In the treatment, most infections are treated for lessthan a month without causing permanent health problems.

A pregnant woman who knows that she has chlamydia, gonorrhea or genital herpes, should consult a doctor about treatment options before giving birth. In many cases, Ophthalmia neonatorum can be prevented from treating or suppressing sexually transmitted mother's disease. Finally, the obstetrician may consider caesarean section if the mother has a serious, active vaginal infection when he approaches her due date.