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What is it
A single application of erythromycin ointment is used to prevent gonococcal eye infection (ophthalmia neonatorum).
How your body works here
If gonorrhea or chlamydia bacteria are present in the birth canal, they can inoculate the newborn's conjunctiva during passage and cause a rapidly destructive eye infection in the first days of life. Erythromycin ointment coats the conjunctival surface and kills susceptible bacteria before they can invade — it doesn't treat an established infection, it prevents colonization from becoming one.
Benefits (B)
- Prevents a serious form of newborn eye infection.Review sources ↓
- Required by law in many U.S. states.Review sources ↓
Risks (R)
- Brief blurred vision (the baby's, not yours).Review sources ↓
- Mild eye irritation rarely.Review sources ↓
Alternatives (A)
- Decline where legally permitted.Review sources ↓
- Delay application briefly to support eye contact during bonding.Review sources ↓
Evidence summary
Recommended by the AAP. Universal prophylaxis is debated in low-prevalence settings but remains standard in the U.S.
Sources
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Questions to ask your provider
- Is this required where I'm delivering?
- Can application be delayed by an hour for skin-to-skin?
Intuition & Nothing/Wait (the I and N in BRAIN)
What is your gut telling you? What happens if you do nothing or wait?
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