This document discusses three types of neonatal conjunctivitis: chemical, which occurs within 24 hours and causes mild irritation treated with eye lubricant; gonococcal, occurring between 2-5 days with marked swelling, profuse discharge, and potential corneal issues treated with a single IM cephalosporin dose; and chlamydial, appearing 5-14 days with mild swelling and watery/mucopurulent discharge treated with oral erythromycin.

1. Neonatal conjunctivitis
Type Onset age Findings Treatment
Chemical <24 hr
• Mild conjunctival irritation & tearing after silver
nitrate ophthalmic prophylaxis
Eye lubricant
Gonococcal 2-5 days
• Marked eyelid swelling
• Profuse purulent discharge
• Corneal edema/ulceration
Single IM dose of
3rd- generation
cephalosporin
Chlamydial 5-14 days
• Mild eyelid swelling
• Watery, serosanguineous, or mucopurulent eye
discharge
Oral erythromycin