Which condition is associated with blindness in newborns?

Ophthalmia neonatorum is associated with blindness in newborns primarily because it is an eye infection that occurs in newborns, usually caused by bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted from the mother during delivery. If left untreated, this infection can lead to severe complications, including corneal scarring and potential blindness.

In contrast, while retinopathy of prematurity is indeed a condition that can lead to vision impairment in premature infants, it is specifically related to abnormal blood vessel development in the retina and does not directly cause blindness in all cases as it can sometimes resolve spontaneously or be treated effectively. Congenital cataracts can also lead to vision issues, but their impact on blindness depends on the severity and timely intervention. Astigmatism, a refractive error, does not result in blindness but rather affects visual clarity and can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Thus, ophthalmia neonatorum stands out as a direct condition associated with the risk of blindness if it is not treated promptly in newborns.