gonorrheal conjunctivitis, a severe, destructive form of purulent conjunctivitis caused by the gonococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Prompt treatment by the IV administration of antibiotics is required to prevent scarring of the cornea and blindness. Newborns receive routine prophylaxis of a topical ophthalmic instillation of 1% solution of silver nitrate or an antibiotic ophthalmic ointment. The treatment has largely eradicated the infection in infants. See also ophthalmia neonatorum.
