Should Your Newborn Receive Prophylactic Eye Drops at Birth?
Benefits
If the mother has been exposed to Chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea, or if her status is unknown, prophylactic eye drops may be well-advised. The eye ointment can prevent infection from these bacteria that may be present in the birth canal. Prophylactic eye drops can also prevent infection from these and other germs in the air and on caretakers' hands. These infections can cause blindness in newborns, so if the newborn is at risk for exposure to these bacteria, prophylactic eye drops should be administered. It is important to note that there is some debate as to whether the erythromycin ointment actually prevents these infections (http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/pediatricks/eyecare.asp) but findings are inconclusive. It is also important to note that the bacteria have been found in the eyes of newborns delivered by c-section. As these babies never passed through the birth canal, the bacteria may be transmitted through the air, or on the hands of nurses, doctors, and other caregivers.
Risks
Prophylactic eye drops do carry some side effects, but these side effects tend to be minor. Clogged tear ducts are the most common complaint, along with minor eye irritation and redness. (Silver nitrate drops were once commonly used, but this treatment tended to cause severe eye irritation including redness and burning. Therefore, erythromycin drops are now more commonly used.) Prophylactic eye ointment can also temporarily blur vision, and many experts speculate that this may interfere with infant/mother bonding during the crucial first moments after birth. To lessen this impact, it may be advisable to postpone eye ointment for at least the first hour after birth, so that the baby may see and bond with the mother during that time.
In instances where the mother has no sexually transmitted diseases and the risk of exposure is low, prophylactic eye ointment may be unnecessary. If you are unsure and would like to determine your risk, simple tests can determine whether or not there are any dangerous bacteria present in the birth canal. Talk with your doctor to determine whether your newborn should receive the treatment at birth. Remember that as with most medical procedures, prophylactic eye drops are elective and may be refused if the parents wish.
RESOURCES:
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/newborn/newbornproblems/eyeproblems.html
http://www.kir.org/babycontent/babycontent.htm
http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-health/articles/102/1/Newborn-Care
http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/pediatricks/eyecare.asp
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00000120;jsessionid=14B4175FD085E3EA24A3F1CF79E05993?order=9
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Published by Amy Weekley
I'm a stay-at-home mother of two, loving every minute of it. Writing has long been my hobby, and I figure it's time to share my work with the rest of the world. Enjoy! View profile
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20 Comments
Post a CommentThe drops are safe, but if your area doesn't require them, delay giving them until the baby begins to fall asleep (after it has seen mom and dad).
You should be more concerned about vaccines. Let's just say, I helped develop some modern vaccines... I wouldn't give them to my own kids. Money wasn't worth it either, I regret my work and research.
This is one of the procedures done in America that absolutely shocks me!
In New Zealand, this is not done AT ALL! And do we have heaps of babies going blind?? Not at all.
One important thing to remember is that there is a long period of time between the initial signs of infection (pus, redness etc..) and severe infection causing blindness. Unless you didnt look at your baby for days, you would know they were infected and would then have a chance to seek advice and ab's.
The thing that disturbs me the most is that the parents aren't even informed, let alone asked if they consent to the procedure! If we did this to babies here without asking, we would be in court!
Parents, take back control! I'm not saying you have to deny this prophylactic treatment, I'm saying that as a parent you have a right to know what's happening to your child.
My wife and I live in remote Africa, where there are no hospitals like we have in the '1st' world.
She is due to give birth soon and we are going to have to do it ourselves.
Other that eye drops to prevent risk of any airborne infections, are there any other treatments we should be thinking about? Its our first baby.
This is great information. I didn't even know what the drops were they put in my nephews eyes after he was born. The nurse didn't even ask my brother and sister in law before hand they just did it. It's nice to know we can say no to things like this.
This is very interesting
Although, I am a grandmother now, your articles are still interesting and informative. You really organize the points for an easy read.
great article! We're definitely opting out of this and many other things.
Great Article Amy!
Great article Amy.
I'm not going to have this because we're going to be birthing at home. Even if we go to the hospital we won't have it done. I don't have any STDs and am low risk for them, so I see no need to treat my babies with this.