RESUMO
There are different etiologies of neonatal ophthalmia such as viral ones. Among them, the Herpes simplex virus, both type I and II, is particularly relevant due to its potential severity. It is a rare, in frequent entity, but with a high rate of morbidity and mortality without appropriate diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of neonatal ophthalmia caused by Herpes Virus type I, its clinical characteristics, and correct diagnosis. CLINICAL CASE: 8-days old newborn, with no notable history, presenting edema and erythema of eyelids, accompanied by bilateral ocular discharge. Her pes Virus type I infection was diagnosed by PCR, without evidence of disseminated disease or central nervous system involvement. He received full treatment with intravenous Acyclovir with complete clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes Simplex Virus should always be considered as a diffe rential diagnosis in all neonatal ophthalmia. Early and timely diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance.
