OverviewConjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membranes that line the inside of the eyelid and the lining of the eyeball. When the condition occurs in babies younger than 4 weeks old, it is called neonatal conjunctivitis.
What is going on in the body?The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that forms the outermost layer of the eye. Any type of irritation to the eye can cause the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to enlarge. This makes the eye appear red. Irritation also causes the eye to produce more tears. When the eye is infected, white blood cells and mucus are seen on the conjunctiva. This appears as a thick, yellow-green discharge from the eye.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?Neonatal conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria. The symptoms may include:
• discharge from the eye that may contain pus
• redness and swelling of the conjunctiva
• swelling of the eyelid
If the infection progresses deeper into the eye, the following symptoms may occur:
• clouding of the cornea, which is the normally clear covering of the eye
• fever
• marked redness of the eye
• severe eye pain
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Conjunctivitis in newborns is often caused by bacteria acquired during birth. The baby gets the bacteria from the mother's vagina during delivery. These bacteria may come from an infection that the mother contracted sexually. Conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea used to be the leading cause of blindness. It shows up at birth or within the first week afterward.
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Many cases of neonatal conjunctivitis can be prevented by screening and treating pregnant women for STIs.
How is the disease diagnosed?
The healthcare professional can make an initial diagnosis by examining the infant. The provider may order lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.
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