What is a characteristic symptom of ophthalmia neonatorum?

Ophthalmia neonatorum is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids in newborns, typically caused by bacterial infections, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. One of the defining characteristics of this condition is the presence of yellow discharge from the eyes. This purulent discharge is a result of the body's inflammatory response to the infection and is a key indicator for diagnosing ophthalmia neonatorum. The yellow color is often associated with the presence of pus, which is typically produced in response to bacterial infections.

Other symptoms, such as itchy eyes or excessive tearing, may occur with various ocular conditions but are not specific indicators of ophthalmia neonatorum. Likewise, while white discharge can be seen in other conjunctival infections, it is the yellow discharge that specifically points to this condition, primarily due to the types of infections it usually involves in neonates.