Which prophylactic treatment is commonly given to newborns to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum?

Erythromycin ointment is the recommended prophylactic treatment for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns. This condition, primarily caused by the transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae during delivery, can lead to serious eye infections if not treated. The application of erythromycin ointment to the newborn's eyes shortly after birth helps to reduce the risk of developing conjunctivitis and potential complications, including blindness.

While other options, such as topical antibiotics and silver nitrate, have been used historically, erythromycin is preferred today due to its effectiveness and lower risk of causing irritation compared to silver nitrate. Povidone-iodine is not typically used for this purpose; it is more common in antiseptic application for surgical procedures. Therefore, erythromycin ointment stands as the standard preventive measure against ophthalmia neonatorum.