Tell us if this sounds familiar… You have a baby in your arms. The baby is the cutest little thing you have ever seen. You love the baby but don’t want to get lost in its cuteness completely because you are panicking from inside and are constantly asking yourself if you have held the baby in the safest way ever discovered by mankind. This magnitude of this anxiety grows twofold if it’s a newborn baby. We understand this predicament of yours. However, there is no need to panic if you see a yellowish fluid forming near your newborn’s eyes. In this post, we tell you about the reasons for sticky eyes in newborns, its causes, home remedies, and treatment options. Read On!
Table of Contents
Symptoms and Causes of a Sticky Eye in Newborns
In most cases, it is quite usual for a newborn baby to have or start developing sticky eyes in the first few weeks after birth. Most mothers have to deal with this condition. Hence, it is advisable for mothers to know that newborn sticky eyes are caused by a blockage in the tear duct system. The condition itself is non-threatening and it usually disappears on its own with the daily growth of the baby. However, it should not be neglected to prevent any further infection that may create eye problems for the child in the future. If the issue continues to persist, which is rare, the tear duct can accumulate bacteria and may lead to infection. In such cases, medical intervention might be required.
How To Treat Sticky Eyes In Babies? – Home Remedies
In case of severe sticky eye conditions, leave the treatment options to a doctor. If the condition is not severe, you may take the following steps at home to help manage sticky eyes.
- Saline Solution
Make sure to use a sterile cotton ball dipped in saline when wiping off the crust or tears from the eye corner. Do not reuse the old cotton balls. If the crust has caused the eyelids to be glued shut to each other, use a warm, soft washcloth to wipe it off.
2. Cold Compress
The moisture provided to the eye by a cold compression dissolves the flakiness caused by the discharge, and the baby can open their eyes when they wake up.
3. Massaging
You may regularly perform a tear duct massage at home after consulting a doctor.
4. Antibiotic Solution
If a doctor suggests eye drops or antibiotic solutions for cleaning the discharge, please follow their instructions and dosage carefully.
5. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Wash your hands regularly and keep your surroundings clean to prevent exposure to allergens and pathogens. If a family member has an eye infection, then they should avoid contact with the baby.
When To Consult A Doctor?
If watery and sticky eyes are accompanied by the following symptoms, it’s probably time to see a doctor.
- Redness of the eye
- Itchiness of the eye
- Fever
- Drainage of pus or red or green discharge from the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Sticky Eyes for a long time
- Sensitivity to light
- Constant Squeezing of Eyes
- Partial Nose Swelling
- The tear duct is still blocked at the age of 1
How Long Does Sticky Eye Last?
Babies may continue to get sticky eyes from time to time, up to 6-8 months after birth.
If your child is suffering from any of the previously mentioned symptoms — it’s best advised to make a doctor’s appointment right away. Consult an ophthalmologist at Prasad Netralaya 一 Mangalore and Udupi’s most trusted eye care hospital. Call us at +91 9513596565 or book an appointment, if you wish to visit in person. You can also book a teleconsultation.
