What is the most serious complication of opthalmia neonatorum?

The most serious complication of ophthalmia neonatorum is blindness. This condition, often caused by exposure to pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis during delivery, can lead to severe inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea in newborns. If left untreated or if the infection is severe, the risk of permanent visual impairment or total blindness increases significantly.

While corneal scarring, infection, and vision impairment are critical concerns associated with ophthalmia neonatorum, none of these complications can be classified as more severe than the potential loss of sight. Blindness represents a total loss of a vital sense that can dramatically affect a child’s development and quality of life, underscoring its status as the most serious complication.