Overview
During natural childbirth, an infant may acquire an eye infection from bacteria present in the birth canal. In many states, the law requires that the hospital apply prophylactic eye drops or ointment to reduce the risk of newborn conjunctivitis. This eye infection may lead to serious complications, including vision problems. Understanding the use of silver nitrate will help you monitor for signs of infection or side effects, such as discharge, from the application of the drops.
Symptoms
Eye discharge from neonatal conjunctivitis may appear thick or watery, and the discharge may have a yellowish appearance. In addition to the discharge, the infant may also have red eyes and swollen eyelids.
In some cases, the discharge may stem from a reaction to the silver nitrate eye drop itself. An eye infection that results from an allergic reaction to a medication is called chemical conjunctivitis. Your baby's pediatrician can determine the cause of the infection by performing a quick examination of the surface of the eyes.
Alternatives
If you do not want your child to receive the silver nitrate eye drops, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that many hospitals have moved away from using silver nitrate and, instead, use a gentle antibiotic ointment called erythromycin. This ointment does not typically cause side effects or chemical conjunctivitis.
Treatment
In some infants, newborn conjunctivitis may improve without treatment. If the infant had a reaction to the silver nitrate drops, the irritation will gradually ease without treatment. However, serious infections may require medicated eye drops that will treat the cause of the infection. Viral infections may not respond to medicated eye drops, but your baby's doctor may recommend an eye drop to reduce inflammation and the accompanying symptoms.
Considerations
Talk with your doctor prior to delivery if you want to know the type of eye drop or ointment your hospital uses after natural childbirth. Inform your doctor of any sexually transmitted diseases you have or had in the past. This information may help your doctor prevent an infection in your child.
source : livestronge.com
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