What is Eye Discharge?
Eye discharge is common among babies and toddlers, and most cases are due to tear duct blockages.
It is also called baby eye boogers.
Parents can typically treat the condition at home. But when discharge is accompanied by symptoms such as tenderness, swelling or redness, there may be another underlying problem for which treatment should be sought.
Sticky eyes are caused by narrow or blocked tear ducts. This often happens in newborn babies while their tear ducts are developing. The tear ducts will usually open up themselves in the first few months of life. This means that your baby’s eyes will usually get better on their own.
In this guide, we will discuss whether infant eye discharge is normal and show how to treat it. We’ll also cover other causes, potential complications and treatments, and when to take a baby to the doctor.
Do you have eye discharge?
Major causes of discharge in the eye in adults are chronic dry eyes, blepharitis, clogged meibomian oil glands (MGD), conjunctivitis ( eye infections) and allergies.
You can get rid of your discharge by treating your dry eyes and get rid of blepharitis and MGD.
Beware that treating allergies with anti-histamines will make your dry eyes worse.
Conjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotics.
Normal eye discharge is usually white or a pale cream.
Conjunctivitis 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.
How should I treat abnormal eye discharge?
Treatment for abnormal eye discharge depends on the cause:
Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up by itself without the need for prescribed medicines.
Your doctor may advise you to use artificial tears or cold compresses to soothe your eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to antihistamine.
Blocked tear ducts mostly fix themselves, but it’s good to see a GP.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
If you have a large amount of watery eye discharge you may have viral conjunctivitis (also known as ‘pink eye’), or allergic conjunctivitis.
If you have allergic conjunctivitis, both your eyes may be itchy and red, with watery discharge, light sensitivity and occasional eyelid swelling.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
In children and adults, sticky, gooey yellow or green discharge and difficulty opening your eyes may be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis .
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers, which are ulcerated and sometimes infected sores on the cornea , result in constant, thick discharge. In children Children, just like adults, will have normal eye discharge and at times unusual eye discharge that signals a problem.
Theralife Eye capsules treats both dry eyes and mild eye allergies.
TheraLife Eye oral capsules are all natural, effective and clinically proven to work. Treat your dry eyes from inside out. No more drops.
Call and talk to a doctor toll free 1-877-917-1989 US/Canada. Send email to: [email protected]
Customer Stories
Eye Discharge Recovery
“I have had eye discharges from blepharitis/MGD that would come concurrent with a pink eye for quite a few years, but it has always gone away pretty quickly on its own. However, this last time, blepharitis and dry eye did not leave, and it became pretty disruptive to my life. My eye doctor gave me eye drops, making my eyes feel drier. I felt as though I had no hope for my eyes, and they were going to keep getting worse and worse. Despite being reasonably skeptical, I finally decided to try Theralife, and I’m So glad I did. I’ve now been taking it for just over two weeks, and I already feel so much better. This morning I woke up, and my eyes were almost white instead of bright red. My blurry vision cleared up, the stickiness gone from my eyes, and the stinging had virtually gone.
I’m looking forward to them getting better and better. Thanks so much!“
Cindy, USA
Why Do Babies Have Eye Discharge?
Blocked Tear Duct. also called “sticky eye”, is Present in 10% of newborns. Main symptom is a constant watery eye. Tears fill the eye and run down the face. This happens even when not crying. The eye is not red and the eyelid is not swollen. Sticky eye, having a yellow or white discharge in the eyes is common in newborns and small babies. discharge in newborns is very common.
One of the most common problems with infants are a blocked tear duct, also called the nasolacrimal duct. The duct is a small opening on the inside of the eye which drains tears into the inner nasal area. When it is narrowed or blocked, tears build up forming a yellow, crusty discharge.
There may be a small hard lump near the inner corner of your baby’s eye or change in eyelid colour. Other than this, your baby’s eye will appear completely normal.
Many parents wonder why their babies have discharge in the eye – this discharge or mucus is one of the body’s natural defenses. It helps to remove harmful debris and waste from the eyes, and it helps to keep them lubricated so they don’t dry out.
Sometimes their clogged duct can lead to an infection such as conjunctivitis . This happens when there is inflammation of the thin layer of tissue (conjunctiva) that covers the sclera. Symptoms are similar to the sticky, watery eyes that come with a blocked tear duct.
Discharge is automatically flushed away, along with debris, when a person blinks. Most eye discharge consists of thin, watery mucus. Known as mucin, this mucus is produced in the conjunctiva.
Is My Baby’s Eye Discharge Normal?
Eye discharge is common among infants and toddlers. Though it’s not usually a cause for worry, it can be unnerving to parents. Most cases are due to duct blockages, which doctors refer to as nasolacrimal duct obstructions, or dacryostenosis.
Tears are made in the lacrimal glands, which sit right above the eyes. They serve an important function because they help to lubricate and clean eye surfaces.
The nasolacrimal are small channels that sit in the corner of the eye close to the nose. When a baby blinks, the eyelids move the tears into the ducts, draining them into the nose. When a duct blockage occurs, tear fluids may not be drained away from the eye’s surface. Blockages cause the eyes to water and form sticky discharge at the corners.
Statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology show that about 20% of newborns experience tear duct blockages. The condition may occur when the end of a tear duct doesn’t fully open at birth, and it may affect either or both of an infant’s eyes.
Should Eye Boogers Be Treated?
If your baby only has sticky eye discharge upon awaking, there’s no need for treatment.
However, if the discharge has another cause, it may be treated with eye drops, which treat conditions such as corneal ulcers, dry eyes or pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Consult your child’s pediatrician if eye boogers are persistent.
Treatment at Home
If the child’s eye discharge occurs because of a duct blockage, it will likely resolve itself in four to six months without treatment.
Parents and other caregivers can treat newborns with blocked ducts at home. Before touching areas close to a child’s eyes, though, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water and rinse them thoroughly.
To remove the sticky eye discharge, dip a clean cloth or gauze in luke warm water and gently wipe the affected area. If a tear duct blockage exists in both eyes, use a fresh piece of gauze or cloth for each eye. Cold weather, sunlight, and wind may worsen symptoms, so parents should protect babies’ eyes from such elements.
Doctors recommend massaging blocked ducts to open them up, and it’s easy to do safely. Here’s how you do it:
Begin by lightly pressing the tip of an index finger against the inner bridge of the baby’s nose, near the blocked duct.
Make two or three downward strokes along that side of the baby’s nose. Pressure should be firm, yet gentle.
Massage the affected area twice per day, once upon awaking and once before bedtime.
Contact Lenses: Children who wear contact lenses need to switch to glasses until the infection is gone. Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea.
Hypochlorous Acid Based EyeLid Cleanser.
A safe way to treat bacterial eye infection (conjuctivities) is to use a hypochlorous based eyelid cleanser. This cleanser stops the bacterial infection cycle without the use of anti-biotics. It has been used in baby’s with success. For more information, click here
if the baby’s nose becomes swollen or red, stop treatment immediately and call a doctor.
In-Office Treatment
Doctors often use anesthetic eye drops in the treatment of duct blockages. In babies, these blockages often open on their own. However, if the duct blockage hasn’t cleared up by the time the child reaches his or her first birthday, a pediatrician may recommend a treatment known as nasolacrimal duct probing.
This procedure involves the insertion of a tiny probe into the affected duct. By using ever-larger probes, a doctor can gradually remove the blockage and open the duct. Afterward, the doctor will use sterile saline solution to flush away any debris. In some cases, doctors insert stents (small tubes) to keep the ducts open.
Before performing such a procedure, a doctor may give a baby anesthetic eye drops or put them under light general anesthesia. This practice minimizes pain and distress and helps the child remain still during treatment. Probing is typically successful, but for children with severe blockages, a pediatrician may recommend a more complex surgery known as a dacryocystorhinostomy to open and clear the tear ducts.
Bacterial Eye Infections:
Bacterial eye infections are common with colds. They respond to home treatment with antibiotic eye drops which need a prescription.
Viral Conjunctivitis
iral Conjunctivitis is a viral infection of the eyes. Main symptom is pinkness of the white parts of the eyes. The eyes are also watery. Most often, there is no pus.
Other Causes of Eye Discharge in Babies and Toddlers
Newborns and toddlers get discharge in the eye for various reasons. Some cases are due to conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the thin membrane protecting the eye. [2] Unlike a tear duct blockage, conjunctivitis may cause the white of the eye to turn red.
If the eye is swollen shut. Usually only on one side. This can be a problem caused by bacterial conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Bacterial Eye Infection Yellow or green discharge or pus in the eye Dried pus on the eyelids and eyelashes The eyelashes are more likely to be stuck together after sleep
The symptoms of conjunctivitis in babies may include:
Discharge or drainage that occurs within one to 14 days after childbirth
Tender, red, or puffy eyelids
Irritated, red eyes
Conjunctivitis in babies may occur along with a tear duct blockage. However, pregnant women can pass viral or bacterial infections to their babies during birth, which can also cause conjunctivitis. If the condition arises from an infection, it may be serious enough to warrant an immediate doctor visit.
If the baby’s eye discharge is due to an infection, a pediatrician may prescribe intravenous, oral, or topical antibiotics. Applying a gentle warm compress to the affected eye may reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
Newborn conjunctivitis sometimes occurs due to chemical irritation. Doctors and nurses sometimes give babies antibacterial drops to prevent infection. These drops may cause irritation that leads to conjunctivitis and other issues.
Complications Associated with Eye Discharge
Tear duct blockages may lead to an infection known as dacryocystitis. The symptoms of this condition may include:
An excessive amount of thick eye discharge
Redness at the corner of the eye.
Swelling or tender bumps at the affected side of the nose.
A low-grade fever
If your child has any of the above symptoms, consider taking them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Can Babies Get Eyelid Cellulitis?
Cellulitis of the eyelid is a very serious condition affecting the tissues of the eyelid and the surrounding area [3], and babies may get it after a case of bacterial conjunctivitis. Children with the condition will have very swollen and tender eyelids that are difficult to close. If your child has these symptoms, make a pediatrician’s appointment immediately.
When Eye Discharge is Serious Enough to See a Doctor
If your child’s tear ducts haven’t opened after a few months, make an appointment with his or her pediatrician. Newborns with watery eyes or excessive discharge should see a doctor or a pediatric ophthalmologist right away. These healthcare team members can determine the cause of eye discharge and look for signs of serious infection.
The signs of an eye infection may include:
Puffy, sore or red eyes
Swollen eyelids
- Green or yellow discharge with pus
- Swelling or a bump at the inside corner of an affected eye
Your child’s doctor may recommend drops or other treatments to reduce pain and swelling while eliminating infection.
Are Eye Infections Contagious?
Some eye infections, such as pink eye, are very contagious. Except when administering ointment or eye drops, avoid direct contact with the child’s eyes or the discharge from them until the medicine has been in use for a few days and the redness has started to clear.
Eye Discharge is Normal in Newborns
Eye discharge is quite normal in newborns, and it’s usually due to a blockage within a tear duct. Most of these blockages clear up within four to six months, but some require further treatment. If your child has eye discharge along with redness and excessive watering, you should make a doctor’s appointment to determine the cause and rule out a serious infection.
Caregivers can treat babies with tear duct blockages with gentle massage and removal of the discharge. Call your pediatrician right away if there’s soreness, swelling, or redness in the eye. With the information in this guide from TheraLife, you’ll know how to spot the signs of a problem and keep your child’s eyes healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I worry about baby’s eye discharge?
Parents should start to worry about baby’s eye discharge when the situation seems to be getting worse with redness in or around the eyes. Consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Why does my baby have gunky eye discharge?
Your baby’s gunky eye discharge is most likely developed because of clogged or blockage in the tear duct. Most babies will grow out of it as they mature. However, if the gunk looks green or yellow, consult with your doctor to rule out infections.
How do you treat a baby’s goopy eye?
To treat a baby’s goopy eye by simply use a warm wet towel and clear away the discharge. Massage the eyelid to speed recovery. No worries.
Is eye discharge normal in infants?
Eye discharge is quite normal for infants. It is due to under developed tear ducts of which they will out grow. If you do notice eye discharge, it is best to consult with the baby’s doctor to be sure.
Conclusion
Eye discharge in newborns is common and often results from 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 of the eyes should speak with a doctor to diagnose the cause and rule out an eye infection.
Parents and caregivers can treat a baby with a blocked tear duct at home by wiping away any discharge and gently massaging the area twice a day. A doctor can demonstrate how to do this.
Discoloration, swelling, or soreness in the eye can indicate an eye infection. Speak with a doctor immediately if an infant has these signs.
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blocked-tear-duct
WebMD https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis#1
MedicineNet https://www.medicinenet.com/cellulitis_eyelid/article.htm
Subscribe How to treat eye discharge in newborns Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN — By Beth Sissons — Updated on January 12, 2023
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website Sticky eye
The Royal Hospital for Women (Sticky eye care for a neonate) , Perth Children’s Hospital (Blocked tear duct (Nasolacrimal duct obstruction)) , International Ophthalmology (The natural process of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and effect of lacrimal sac massage
