Which newborn prophylaxis involves preventing conjunctival infection after birth?

• A. Eye ointment
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Hep B vaccine
• D. Vitamin D supplementation

Answer: (A)

Newborn eye prophylaxis is given to prevent conjunctival infection after birth. This protection is provided by applying an antibiotic ointment to each eye within the first hour of life, reducing the risk of ophthalmia neonatorum caused by bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis and helping prevent potential vision problems. The other options serve different protective purposes: Vitamin K prevents bleeding due to vitamin K deficiency, the Hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B infection, and Vitamin D supplementation supports bone health. Therefore, eye ointment directly targets and prevents the conjunctival infection after birth.