The effect of Ophthalmic Patch on Conjunctiva of Neonates under Phototherapy

Objective Conjunctivitis is a common disease in neonates. Several bacterial and viral infectious agents may cause it. Tear circulation and blinking has protective effects from bacterial colonization in the conjuntival sac. Reduced blinking increases the possibility of bacterial conjunctivitis. We studied the effect of eye patches on bacterial colonization of the conjunctival sac.  Methods In 100 icteric neonates who needed phototherapy and occlusive patches for their eyes during the procedure we did conjunctival bacterial culture before and after 48 hrs after occlusive patches. The results of two cultures were analyzed with statistical tests, McNemar, chi- square and, binominal with SPSS V18 software.  Results In 100 neonates   there were 51 (51%) males 49 (49%) females. The mean birth weight was 2578±736 g.  Culture before ophthalmic patches showed 20 (20%) cases with positive conjunctival cultures and 76 cases (76%) with positive culture 48 hrs after use of eye patches. Conclusion Eye patches during phototherapy increase bacterial colonization in the conjunctival sac. We must be aware of this complication during phototherapy.