Soon after birth, a nurse will place medicated eye ointment in your baby's eyes. This is called eye prophylaxis. The antibiotic ointment prevents potential eye infections or blindness through sexually transmitted diseases.
Eye prophylaxis is required by law in most states, including Pennsylvania.
Eye prophylaxis began more than a century ago in the U.S. after thousands of infants suffered permanent blindness due to eye infections from gonorrhea acquired from their mothers during birth.
Eye infections due to gonorrhea have decreased in recent years. Now, eye infections are more commonly caused by chlamydia. These STDs are passed on to the babies during delivery.
Although your baby may not like having their eyes held open to have the medication put in, the ointment doesn't typically cause them any pain.
After treatment, your baby's eyes may be red, swollen, or cloudy. These are common side effects of eye prophylaxis. You shouldn't wash or clean the medication out of your baby's eyes.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about newborn screenings and tests.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.
