When you have your baby in your arms, your panic button always remains on alert mode. And when the baby is in the newborn phase, the magnitude of this anxiety increases. Even a tiny aberration may become a reason for concern. However, when you see a squish of yellowish fluid forming, near your new born’s eyes, you need not panic. Read on to find out what it is and the steps you can take to treat it.
The most common causes of sticky eyes in babies are:
Some of the tell-tale signs of sticky eyes include:
Sticky eyes clear after a few days with regular cleaning and will not require further thought. However, in some cases, if it does not cure naturally or the condition aggravates, you may need to seek a doctor’s evaluation.
While an eye infection can often be confused with a rash or a bruise, some of the signs include:
The yellowish discharge is due to the blocked tear ducts and as the ducts open, the discharge stops. However, in some cases, it may also be a sign of infection and conjunctivitis.
Here are some home-based treatments for sticky eyes.
This is the most commonly practised method to clean the eyes.
The steps mentioned above can be done using a saline solution as well. It minimises the build-up of bacterial infection.
It provides moisture to the eyes and makes it easier to dissolve the flakiness caused by the discharge, and the baby can open their eyes when they wake up.
A paediatrician will be able to suggest eye drops or antibiotic solution for cleaning the discharge. Please follow their instructions and dosage carefully.
Gently massaging the areas near the eyes and nose may help in opening the blocked ducts, and reduce the chances of the sticky fluid building up. It’s better to consult an ophthalmologist who can demonstrate the massage technique to you practically.
The sticky discharge forms because of baby’s blocked tear ducts. If the ducts do not open naturally within a year or so, your doctor may suggest opening up the ducts . The most common approach is surgical probing, where the doctor inserts a medical instrument into the tear duct to remove the obstruction. Remember, this procedure can be performed only by an expert and should not be tried at home.
Tips on how to clean the eyelids and eyes of your baby-
Here are some tips you can follow to protect your baby from an eye infection:
Newborn sticky eyes are a result of blocked tear ducts. In most cases, it is not severe and can be treated at home. However, if your baby has sticky eyes for a long time, you should consult a doctor. Make sure to keep a check on the symptoms to avoid eye infection.
Sticky eyes aren’t a problem in itself. In fact, it is a natural process, and in most cases, it gets better with home remedies. But, it is always good to be aware and keep an eye on your baby, so that it does not lead to an infection.