ophthalmia neonatorum /nē′ōnətôr″əm/ , a purulent conjunctivitis and keratitis of the newborn resulting from exposure of the eyes to chemical, chlamydial, bacterial, or viral agents. Chemical conjunctivitis usually occurs as a result of the instillation of silver nitrate in the eyes of a newborn to prevent a gonococcal infection. Also called neonatal conjunctivitis. See also conjunctivitis.
