Why do babies get goopy eyes

Eye Concerns. Eye Concerns BHP T There are many different causes of pink eye or an eye with yellow discharge.

Viral Infection. Cause Symptoms Treatment. White of the eye looks pink or red. May have other viral symptoms such as runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, or fever. Antibiotics will not help the eye get better any faster. Numbing ear drops, many homeopathic remedies are available over the counter. Bacterial Infection. Symptoms Treatment Prevention Contagiousness Prevention. They can show you how to massage your baby's tear duct to unblock it.

Pink or red eyes is a sign that your baby may have conjunctivitis - you'll need to take them to the GP. Conjunctivitis in babies and children. You'll need to clean your baby's eyes if they've become crusted and your baby has trouble opening them. Your GP may give you a referral to see a specialist if your baby's eye is still sticky after 12 months. Many cases of eye discharge in young children have common underlying causes, including allergies, infection, blocked tear ducts and more.

Treatment for eye discharge in babies and toddlers varies depending on the cause. It is normal for infants and toddlers to experience a small amount of discharge in the corner of their eyes, whether it appears wet, mucousy or crusty. This is often due to mucus secreted during sleep sleep in the eye , but can also be caused by a child wiping their eye with dirty hands.

Eye discharge is a common symptom of eye infections such as viral and bacterial conjunctivitis , which are both highly contagious.

Bacterial conjunctivitis will sometimes require an antibiotic to clear up, but viral conjunctivitis pink eye simply has to clear up on its own. Viral pink eye is caused by a virus, such as the common cold, and typically occurs in both eyes. Discharge associated with viral pink eye is usually watery and clear, but a white or light yellow-colored mucus may occur. Eye discharge in babies with a cold can usually be treated at home, but infections should be treated by a doctor.

Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs when harmful bacteria enter the eye, and it is usually only present in one eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis in newborns can include :. Conjunctivitis in newborns can sometimes occur alongside a blocked tear duct.

However, a pregnant woman can also pass on a bacterial or viral infection to the baby when giving birth, which can lead to conjunctivitis. If conjunctivitis is due to an infection, it can be serious, and the newborn will need to see a doctor straight away. If an infection is causing the eye discharge, a doctor may prescribe topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics.

Chemical irritation can also cause conjunctivitis in newborns. Healthcare professionals often give antibacterial eye drops to newborns to prevent infections. These eye drops can sometimes cause irritation that can result in symptoms of conjunctivitis. Blocked tear ducts can sometimes lead to an infection called dacryocystitis.

Symptoms of dacryocystitis may include:. Newborns with eye discharge or very watery eyes should see a pediatrician or an eye doctor who specializes in children, called a pediatric ophthalmologist. These healthcare professionals can diagnose the cause of the discharge and check for signs of infection.

It is also important to seek medical advice for an infant if their tear duct remains blocked after 6 to 8 months. Newborns with signs of an eye infection should see a doctor immediately.

Signs of an eye infection can include:. Eye discharge in newborns is common and often the result of a blocked tear duct.

The blockage will usually clear up by itself within 4 to 6 months. However, newborns with eye redness, eye discharge, or excessive watering from the eyes should see a doctor to diagnose the cause and to rule out an eye infection. Parents and caregivers can treat a baby with a blocked tear duct at home by wiping away discharge and gently massaging the area twice a day. A doctor can demonstrate how to do this.

Redness, swelling, or soreness in the eye area can indicate an eye infection.