Final answer:
The main purpose of using silver nitrate drops in newborns is to prevent eye infections caused by exposure to pathogens. However, silver nitrate drops are not commonly used anymore due to advancements in medical practices and the availability of more effective treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main purpose of using silver nitrate drops in newborns is to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, which is an eye infection caused by exposure to pathogens in the birth canal. This infection can have serious complications if left untreated, including vision loss or permanent blindness. Silver nitrate drops were once routinely used, but now it is more common to use antibacterial creams or drops, such as erythromycin.
Chemical conjunctivitis is not commonly caused by silver nitrate drops anymore because these drops are no longer used as frequently. Instead, antibacterial creams or drops are now used, which are more effective in preventing bacterial infections. The use of silver nitrate drops has decreased due to advancements in medical practices and the availability of more effective treatments.