If you notice that your child has watery eyes, it could be due to several reasons. Epiphora or having watery eyes is a common condition in babies and fortunately, it is harmless. It could be caused because of blocked tear ducts, infections, or allergies. As a parent, you must ensure that your baby’s eyes stay clean and healthy in the meantime. However, in a few instances, symptoms associated with watery eyes might indicate serious complications. And one must consult a paediatrician. This article will help you understand the causes, treatments, and risks related to watery eyes in babies.
If your baby has watery eyes (or the condition epiphora), then his eyes must be watering (or secreting tears) constantly or in excess amounts. Occasionally, you might see tears running down his face as well. This condition could have been triggered by an allergic reaction, infections, or blocked tear ducts.
Although epiphora is not that serious and it passes on its own. Sometimes, it can also indicate numerous medical conditions. Here are a few of the most common reasons for watery eyes in babies.
Eye irritation is often responsible for the secretion of excessive tears from the eyes in order to wash the irritant out. Eye irritants include smoke, dust, pollen, dirt, sand, and so on. Also, conditions like conjunctivitis, trichiasis, and ectropion can irritate your baby’s eyes. Ensure that your baby does not rub his eyes too much as this could worsen the inflammation and lead to a burning sensation.
Infections such as pink eye can also lead to epiphora in infants. It can be caused by virus, fungi, bacteria or even allergies. Pink eye occurs when a virus (or bacteria, though less common) gets into the eye. This condition is extremely contagious and can spread to others in your family if precautions are not taken. Another infection is blepharitis, which results due to blockage of the sebum glands under the eyes. These infections can lead to severe symptoms such as swelling, burning, soreness, and loss of eyelashes in extreme cases.
Your baby may also have watery eyes because of a blocked tear duct. The tear ducts are responsible for draining the fluid from the eyes so that they do not accumulate. However, if your baby’s tear ducts are blocked, the drainage system may malfunction, causing the tears to collect in your baby’s eyes and slowly stream down his face. You might also observe white discharge, redness, or swelling on the upper corners of your child’s nose.
Your baby may also have watery or red eyes because of allergic conjunctivitis. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can also cause an allergic reaction in the eye, which may make his eyes water. Some symptoms of allergic rhinitis include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, etc. Watch out for these symptoms and take your child to a doctor immediately.
Here are some treatment options available to get rid of watery eyes during this time.
You may consider home remedies for watery eyes in your baby if your doctor gives a go-ahead or if your child’s eyes though watering, are white and not irritated. If your child’s eyes are watering because of a blocked tear duct, he will suggest that you massage your baby’s eyes to help open it. Treatment of watery eyes in infants can be done at home as well to ease the discomfort experienced by your child. You can also try cold and warm compresses to ease the tear duct blockage and to remove the toxic crust accumulating around the eyes. You can also use a warm tea bag to soothe eye inflammation and soreness. Chamomile and peppermint show the best results when treating epiphora.
If your child has watery eyes, but his eyeballs look clear and white, and if they do not exhibit any signs of discomfort, you can care for them at home, but if you observe any of the following symptoms, please visit your paediatrician immediately.
Epiphora is a common condition in babies, so you do not need to concern yourself. However, if there is more water than normal in conjunction with other symptoms, please consult with your baby’s doctor, who will perform a detailed examination and suggest possible treatment options. Make sure you follow the paediatrician instructions to the letter and take care of your baby well. He will soon feel better!