Eye Prophylaxis for Newborns

Newborn eye prophylaxis is the administration of an ophthalmic antimicrobial shortly after birth to reduce the risk of ophthalmia neonatorum, especially gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. At the NP level, this topic requires more than knowing that erythromycin is placed in both eyes. The NP must understand the prevention strategy, the limits of prophylaxis, maternal STI screening implications, newborn risk stratification, diagnostic workup, systemic treatment indications, public-health follow-up, and safe prescribing in neonates. The current CDC newborn prophylaxis regimen is erythromycin 0.5% ophthalmic ointment in each eye in a single application at birth. CDC guidance states that it should be instilled into both eyes as soon as possible after delivery, regardless of vaginal or cesarean birth, and that systems should ensure administration within 24 hours if it is delayed.