Recommendations for the prevention of neonatal ophthalmia

Abstract

Despite the decreasing prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Canada, the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that, as soon as possible after birth, all infants receive prophylaxis with silver nitrate, tetracycline or erythromycin, to reduce the risk of neonatal ophthalmia due to this organism. The use of these agents may also provide some benefit in the prevention of ophthalmia due to other organisms. As well, the Canadian Paediatric Society supports routine prenatal screening for N gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, and the treatment of identified infections during pregnancy.