Antibiotic (erythromycin) ointment is put into the newborn’s eye’s to prevent infection and possible blindness, caused by chlamydia and/or gonorrhea organisms. Other bacteria that are present in the vagina normally can also cause eye infections that can threaten vision, such as staphylococcus aureus.
The newborn may be exposed to these bacteria during the labor and birth process. This essentially benign treatment is placed in the baby’s eyes within several hours after birth.
It does not affect bonding with your newborn or cause discomfort for the baby. This treatment is free and is required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.