It is the swelling or infection of the membrane that covers the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye and can occur in a newborn. It may be due to a) a blocked lacrimal duct b) Antibiotic eye drops, administered just after birth c) Infection by bacteria or viruses. Bacteria that normally live in a woman's vagina can be passed to the baby during birth. The following can cause more serious damage to the eye: a) Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: These are infections that are spread through sexual contact. B) Viruses that cause genital and oral herpes: These can lead to serious damage to the eye. Herpes eye infections are less common than those caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Treatment: Eye irritation caused by eye drops administered at birth should go away on its own. In case of a blocked tear duct, a gentle warm massage between the eye and the nasal area can help. This is usually tried before starting antibiotics. Surgery may be needed if a blocked tear duct has not been uncovered by the baby's 1 year old.