Posted on September 8, 2007 in Latest News
The vision and visual functions of new born babies is different from adults. Newborns take time to open up their eyes and adjust to light. In the first week of their life their tear glands are not developed. So if you find any discharge from their eyes, it might be a cause of worry.
Newborns most often suffer from Ophthalmia Neonatorum. It’s a form of conjunctivitis that affects both eyes of an infant who less than one month in age.
Symptoms
- A whitish or purulent discharge from the eyes
- Inconsolable crying of the infant
- Swollen eyelids
- Redness of eyes
Complications
- Ophthalmia Neonatorum may lead to complications like Corneal Opacity and Corneal Ulceration that may lead to vision loss in babies.
- Corneal perforation.
Treatment
Ophthalmia Neonatorum is generally treated with saline lavage till the discharge from the eyes stops. Newborns are given topical antibiotics and systemic antibiotic depending on the severity of the infection.
Prevention
- Before the birth of the baby, mother should get her genital infections treated if any.
- During birth, it is very important to main hygienic conditions i.e clean hands, surface, blade and clean cord tie.
- Immediately after the birth, the baby’s eye-lids must be thoroughly cleaned with sterile saline soaked gauze pieces.
- Incase of Ophthalmia Neonatorum consult an ophthalmologist at the earliest.
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