Infant pink eye in newborns is called neonatal conjunctivitis. One possible cause of neonatal conjunctivitis is exposure to a sexually transmitted disease during birth. This type of pink eye can be serious. If it is not effectively treated, neonatal conjunctivitis from sexually transmitted diseases can cause serious eye damage and blindness.

The common causes of neonatal conjunctivitis from sexually transmitted disease are Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. Neonatal conjunctivitis from these infectious diseases often causes considerable swelling of the eyelids. This type of neonatal conjunctivitis may be treated with silver nitrate, antibiotic drops, or other medications. Due to prompt treatment of neonatal conjunctivitis, permanent damage is rare.

Most hospitals routinely treat the eyes of newborns to prevent conjunctivitis though more extensive treatment may be necessary if the mother had a sexually transmitted disease. Some newborns develop irritation of the eyes due to the routine administration of antibiotics on the eyes. This kind of irritation generally clears up on its own. The mother may not have had any symptoms during delivery, but may still have infected the infant. When the mother has an active outbreak of a sexually transmitted disease, a Cesarean section may be performed to prevent infection of the newborn.

Some cases of infant pink eye are caused by a blocked tear duct. If an infant has recurring pink eye, a blocked tear duct is a likely cause. In most cases, the blocked tear duct clears on its own within a few months. The doctor may suggest using warm compresses and gently massaging the inner corner of the eye. If the tear duct does not respond to noninvasive treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Neonatal conjunctivitis can cause watery, bloody, or thick discharge from the eyes. The eyelids may be red and swollen. Potential complications of neonatal conjunctivitis are corneal scarring, blindness, perforation of the cornea, inflammation of the iris, or pneumonia.

A doctor may take a sample of the eye discharge for diagnostic laboratory testing. An examination of the eyes with a slit lamp may be performed to check for damage to the cornea. The doctor may irrigate the eyes to remove pus-like discharge.

In addition to these types of neonatal pink eye, infants can get other types of pink eye just like everyone else. If the neonatal pink eye has been caused by a viral infection not caused by herpes or is diagnosed as allergic conjunctivitis, no further treatment may be necessary. If the infant has bacterial conjunctivitis of any kind, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops.