Euphrasia Eye Drops in Neonates: A Pilot Project

Background: Both pre-term and full-term neonates frequently exhibit reduced flow of eye secretion through the tear duct shortly after birth. This can cause congestion of the secretion, possibly leading to an infection of the eye. Neonatal eye infection has till now been treated with Neosporin Eye Drops r. This may cause increased absorption in children, which would increase neomycin sulfate's potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Objective: To investigate the effect of local application of Euphrasia Eye Drops on antibiotic consumption by neonates. Material and Methods: 24 preterm and full-term children were given a local application of 0.9% NaCl plus Euphrasia Eye Drops. 20 full-term and pre-term children in the control group were given the conventional treatment of 0.9% NaCl. Results: By treatment with NaCl 0,9% but also with NaCl 0,9% plus Euphrasia Eye Drops an antibiotic therapy can be avoided, particularly in presence of positive bacteriological smears with Staphylococcus aureus. This pilot project was limited by the structure difference of both the neonates and the eye smear results. The neonates in the test group had a lower birth weight and a lower gestational age. They also tended to be clinically less stable. Conclusion: The results indicate that antibiotic treatment is not always to be regarded as necessary, even if the eye smear is positive. A child should not routinely be given primary treatment with antibiotic eye drops.