A fresh look at ophthalmia neonatorum.

Recent surveys have stressed the importance of Chlamydia trachomatis as a cause of ophthalmia neonatorum. Advances in diagnostic techniques should enable this organism to be readily identified. Precise identification of the aetiological agent is important because of the differing antibacterial sensitivities of the pathogens. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis require systemic therapy. Investigation and treatment of both parents is necessary to prevent recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.