Neonatal conjunctivitis: when and how to treat

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, including studies published between 2010 and 2023, identified through searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were studies focused on neonatal conjunctivitis, while exclusion criteria were non-English studies and case reports. Data were extracted and analyzed using narrative synthesis techniques. Conclusion: This review highlights the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments and prophylactic measures in managing neonatal conjunctivitis. Antibiotic eye drops and erythromycin ointment are particularly effective. Further research is needed to explore the long-term outcomes and optimal prophylactic strategies to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis. Newborns with conjunctival irritation are said to have neonatal conjunctivitis, also called ophthalmia neonatorum. The origin, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches of newborn conjunctivitis are the main topics of this review article's thorough discussion. The conversation focuses on how critical it is to identify damaged infants as soon as possible and get them treated appropriately to minimize long-term issues and improve their visual outcomes. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive but slightly limited perspective due to exclusion of the non-English studies on neonatal conjunctivitis.