Newborn eye drops

Newborn eye drops are given to newborns in many hospitals and also when they are born at home as a routine. These newborn eye drops are given in order to prevent from a dangerous eye infection.

These drops are given as a prevention for an infection which can be caused by the pathogens of gonorrhoea or chlamydia which can be present in the vagina of the mother and can be caught by the child when passing the birth channel. After birth, this infection can cause a purulent conjunctivitis or lead to a bleeding, purulent secretion with the danger of damaging the cornea or loosing the eye sight (blindness). Today, this eye infection can only be observed very rarely which may be due to the fact that the newborn eye drops have been given as a preventive measure for years.

In the case of an inflammation of the eyes, babies who have not received an eye drop prophylaxis should immediately be brought to the paediatrician or an ophthalmologist, as a late treatment of a possible infection can be very dangerous, if not all of the germs can be caught by an antibiotic. It is very important to bring the baby to a doctor with the slightest inflammation of the eyes if no prophylaxis has been made after birth.

The prophylaxis as a routine has been introduced in a time when sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea were quite frequent. Nowadays, as these diseases have gone down a lot, and the risk of infection is in fact quite low, it is understandable that many mothers and midwifes would like to abstain from the prophylaxis. However, all persons involved should not forget that sexually transmitted diseases are again increasing. Therefore, if children are not protected against this eye infection, the illness can quickly be spread again.

Buying Pregnancy stuff on the web

US: At Motherwear you'll find a complete selection of nursing clothes, nursing bras, pumps, and accessories - everything for a nursing mom! Aaron's Baby Baskets - gifts for babies and new parents. UK: Great Savings at Mothercare.com - for UK shoppers.

Early pregnancy signs
There are a lot of early pregnancy signs. Read our article for more information

Zofran pregnancy
Is zofran safe for pregnant women and other information about zofran

Infant baby newborn development
Read more about infant baby & newborn development

Are Vitamin Supplements Really Necessary
Are Vitamin Supplements Really Necessary

Blessings In A Mother's Tears
Blessings In A Mother's Tears

Uterine adenomyosis and fertility
What is uterine adenomyosis and does it affect fertility