Ophthalmia neonatorum is conjunctivitis that occurs during the neonatal period, commonly defined as the first 28 to 30 days of life. Infection may occur when the newborn’s eyes are exposed to infectious cervical or vaginal secretions during birth. The two classic sexually transmitted causes are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, although other bacteria and viruses can also cause neonatal eye infection. Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is the most urgent concern because it can progress quickly. N. gonorrhoeae can invade conjunctival tissue, trigger intense inflammation, and damage the cornea. Severe untreated infection can cause corneal ulceration, scarring, perforation, and permanent vision loss. The USPSTF notes that gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum can cause corneal scarring, ocular perforation, and blindness as early as 24 hours after birth. Chlamydial conjunctivitis usually has a later onset than gonococcal disease. The CDC states that neonatal C. trachomatis infection is most often recognized as conjunctivitis developing 5 to 12 days after birth, and that chlamydia can also cause subacute afebrile pneumonia at 1 to 3 months of age. This is why discharge teaching is critical. The newborn may look...