Many hospitals apply a special eye ointment to a newborn’s eyes shortly after delivery, typically within the first 24 hours. This standard procedure is a preventative measure, designed to protect the baby from certain infections they might encounter during birth.
The Ointment’s Identity and Protective Role
The eye ointment used for newborns is erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth, providing localized protection to the eyes. It is applied as a thin ribbon, about 1 centimeter long, under the baby’s lower eyelids, and is not typically wiped off as it absorbs on its own.
Its primary purpose is to prevent severe eye infections newborns can acquire during birth. It specifically targets Gonococcal Ophthalmia Neonatorum, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydial Conjunctivitis, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. These infections, if untreated, can lead to serious complications such as corneal damage, ulceration, and even permanent vision impairment or blindness. Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum typically appears 2 to 5 days after birth, while chlamydial conjunctivitis usually manifests 5 to 14 days after birth.
Even if a mother has been screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy, there is a possibility of acquiring an infection later or having an asymptomatic infection. The ointment helps protect against these specific bacterial threats. While erythromycin primarily prevents gonorrhea-related eye infections, it also offers some protection against other bacterial types.
Legal Requirements and Parental Considerations
The application of erythromycin eye ointment to newborns is mandated by law in many regions and states within the United States. This public health measure aims to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, a condition that historically led to a significant number of blindness cases in infants.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends this universal prophylaxis, particularly given that some pregnant individuals may not receive adequate prenatal care, which includes STI screening and treatment.
Parents in some jurisdictions may have the option to refuse this treatment, though this varies by state. In such cases, parents are typically required to sign a waiver or refusal form, acknowledging that they have been informed of the risks and benefits.
This decision often involves considering factors like the mother’s STI status, the likelihood of exposure, and the potential for a more natural birthing experience without immediate medical intervention.
Should parents choose to decline the ointment, close monitoring of the newborn for any signs of eye infection in the weeks following birth is advised. Side effects from the erythromycin ointment are generally mild and temporary, including slight irritation, redness, or swelling of the eyelids, which can temporarily blur the baby’s vision. Serious adverse reactions are rare, but chemical conjunctivitis, a non-infectious irritation, can occur.