Information on Newborn Eye Prophylaxis
What is Newborn Eye Prophylaxis?
Newborn Eye prophylaxis refers to an antibiotic ointment (Erythromycin) that is administered in the baby’s eyes shortly after birth.
Why is it given?
Eye ointment is administered to the baby to prevent eye infection contracted from the mother as the baby passes through the birth canal. The two main causes of possible eye infection for the baby are Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. A vaginal culture can be done before labor to determine if you have one of these infections. However, a negative culture does not guarantee that you do not have them. If an untreated eye infection in the baby occurs as a result of one of these infections in the mother, it may result in permanent eye damage and even blindness in the baby. Each provider of maternity care is required by law to administer this ointment to baby’s born in their care. You as a parent have the right to refuse any unwanted treatment for your baby.
How is it given?
Within two hours of the birth, a small amount of the ointment is applied to the baby’s eyes.
What are the risks of giving eye prophylaxis?
The risks of treatment are blurry vision for the baby for a few hours, a possible adverse or allergic reaction to the antibiotic.
What are the benefits of giving eye prophylaxis?
If you have one of these infections and don’t know it, giving the baby eye prophylaxis can prevent eye damage or blindness in the baby resulting from one of these infections.
What if I choose to do nothing?
If you choose to do nothing the risk is that if you have one of these infections and don’t know it, then there is a risk of the baby contracting one of these infections and possibly suffering eye damage or blindness.