Ophthalmia Neonatorum: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a common condition that can develop and progress at any stage of infancy, depending on the causative agent, including in otherwise healthy term infants outside of the NICU. Despite its frequency, there is no single, readily accessible reference that concisely integrates causative pathogens, presentation timing, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Given the multiple etiologies, each with distinct pathophysiology and management considerations, accurate identification is essential to prevent complications. This article highlights the most common causes of neonatal conjunctivitis, reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation, and provides recommendations for both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. In addition, nursing implications for prevention, early recognition, and bedside management are discussed. A case study is included to enable readers to apply these concepts in a real-world context.