Final answer:
Untreated ophthalmia neonatorum usually becomes apparent between the second and fifth day of life, potentially leading to serious complications like vision loss or permanent blindness. Prevention involves administration of antibiotic drops or ointments to newborns after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ophthalmia Neonatorum Timing
Ophthalmia neonatorum is an inflammation of the conjunctiva in newborns, particularly caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is transmitted during childbirth. When untreated, symptoms of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum typically become apparent between the second and fifth day of life. However, the exact timing can vary, and some sources specifically note the onset on the second to fourth day. The condition, when left untreated, can lead to serious consequences such as corneal ulceration or perforation, and potentially result in vision loss or permanent blindness.
Prevention of Ophthalmia Neonatorum
To prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, hospitals administer antibiotic creams or drops, such as erythromycin, to all infants shortly after birth. Previously, silver nitrate ointments were used for this purpose. This preventive measure is due to the potential transmission of infectious diseases from mother to baby, particularly during passage through the birth canal.
While the student's question about when untreated ophthalmia neonatorum becomes apparent does not align with a specifically documented day, it is generally understood to present within the first week of life, in alignment with the case definitions for early-onset neonatal infection, which includes up to 7 days old.