Which infection affecting newborns is caused by exposure to chlamydia or gonorrhea during birth?

Ophthalmia neonatorum is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a type of conjunctivitis that occurs in newborns due to exposure to infectious agents during the birthing process. This condition is commonly caused by maternal infections with sex-related pathogens, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia.

During delivery, if the infant's eyes come into contact with infected vaginal secretions, they can develop inflammation and infection, leading to the characteristic signs of ophthalmia neonatorum, which include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes. This condition is a serious concern as untreated infections can lead to severe complications, including vision loss.

While conjunctivitis is a broader term that refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva and can occur in individuals of any age due to various causes, ophthalmia neonatorum is distinct because it specifically pertains to newborns and is linked to the aforementioned sexually transmitted infections. Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelid margins and is not limited to newborns nor directly linked to these infections. Uveitis, which involves inflammation of the uveal tract in the eye, is also not related to the exposure during birth.