Neonatal Conjunctivitis (Ophthalmia Neonatorum) By Brenda L Tesini, MD, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Reviewed / Revised Jul 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Topic Resources Ophthalmia Neonatorum Neonatal conjunctivitis is watery or purulent ocular drainage due to a chemical irritant or a pathogenic organism.