Conjunctivitis in Infants


Newborn babies are exposed to bacteria from their mother's birth canal and this can develop into ophthalmia neonatorum, a serious form of conjunctivitis.  If this is not treated quickly and efficiently, the baby’s sight can be damaged, long term.  Infants are prone to this type of conjunctivitis because they have poor immune defences.   The conjunctivitis may include a gonococcal or chlamydial infection.  Swabs can be taken to assess the type of injection and the best course of treatment and the baby may be referred to an ophthalmologist.  Treatment depends on the cause of the conjunctivitis.

A less serious condition is when newborn babies are born with a pink eye due to an incompletely opened tear duct.  This is known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction and eyes may water and become intermittently sticky, but this is usually not a serious condition. 

<<<previous page
next page>>>


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.