Ophthalmia neonatorum

Ophthalmia neonatorum, also referred to as neonatal conjunctivitis, is an acute inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva occurring in infants within the first 28 to 30 days of life It most commonly develops through vertical transmission of infectious pathogens, particularly *Chlamydia trachomatis* or *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, during passage through an infected birth canal, though chemical irritation from prophylactic ocular agents or other perinatal bacteria and viruses can also cause the diseas...

Ophthalmia neonatorum, also referred to as neonatal conjunctivitis, is an acute inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva occurring in infants within the first 28 to 30 days of life

It most commonly develops through vertical transmission of infectious pathogens, particularly *Chlamydia trachomatis* or *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, during passage through an infected birth canal, though chemical irritation from prophylactic ocular agents or other perinatal bacteria and viruses can also cause the disease Hallmark clinical features include conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid edema, chemosis, and ocular discharge that ranges from mild serous exudate to copious, purulent secretions

Hallmark clinical features include conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid edema, chemosis, and ocular discharge that ranges from mild serous exudate to copious, purulent secretions

If left untreated, highly virulent pathogens—most notably *N. gonorrhoeae*—can rapidly breach the corneal epithelium, leading to corneal ulceration, perforation, and irreversible vision loss