Sticky eye (ocular discharge) is a common condition that affects infants in their first year of life. This discharge is a buildup of tears, mucus, and oils that causes the eyelids and lashes to stick together, particularly after long periods of sleep. The duration of this condition varies significantly, depending on the underlying cause. This article provides clarity on the different types of sticky eye, their expected timelines, and appropriate home care methods.
Differentiating Between Types of Sticky Eye
Ocular discharge appearance and cause determine how long the stickiness will last. The most frequent reason for discharge in infants is congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, essentially a blocked tear duct. This blockage occurs because the membrane at the end of the tear duct, which drains tears into the nose, has not yet fully opened. The tears and associated debris cannot drain properly, leading to a watery eye with clear or whitish-yellow, mucus-like discharge that is not infectious.
The discharge associated with a blocked tear duct is often most noticeable when the baby wakes up from a nap or in the morning. This type of sticky eye is characterized by a clear white part of the eye, known as the sclera, without any significant redness or swelling. This differs significantly from conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, which is the second primary cause of sticky eye. Conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid.
Infectious conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, usually produces a thicker, pus-like discharge that can be yellow or greenish. Unlike a simple blocked duct, conjunctivitis typically causes visible symptoms like redness of the sclera, swelling of the eyelids, and often an increased sensitivity to light. If the discharge is accompanied by a red and sore-looking eye, it is much more likely to be an infection that requires medical attention.
Expected Recovery Times
The time a baby experiences sticky eye is directly linked to whether the cause is an obstruction or an infection. When sticky eye is due to a blocked tear duct, the condition often resolves spontaneously as the baby grows. The membrane usually opens on its own within the first few months of life, and in over 50% of affected babies, symptoms are gone by eight months of age. The condition is generally considered self-limiting, with symptoms resolving in about 95% of children by the time they reach their first birthday.
If the sticky eye is caused by an infection, the duration is much shorter, especially with treatment. Viral conjunctivitis usually runs its course in about five to seven days. Bacterial conjunctivitis often resolves quickly once topical antibiotic treatment is started, frequently showing significant improvement within 24 to 48 hours. The persistence of sticky eye past twelve months, if due to a blockage, may indicate the need for an ophthalmologist referral.
Effective Home Care Strategies
For a blocked tear duct, the primary management strategy involves gentle cleaning and massage to help the duct open. Parents should first wash their hands thoroughly to prevent introducing bacteria. A sterile cotton ball or clean cloth dampened with cooled, boiled water or saline solution should be used to gently wipe the discharge. The direction of the wipe should always be from the inner corner of the eye, near the nose, outward toward the ear, using a fresh cotton ball for each swipe to prevent contamination.
A specific technique called the Crigler massage can be performed several times a day to encourage the tear duct to open. This involves placing a clean finger against the side of the nose in the corner of the eye. Firm but gentle pressure is applied to the lacrimal sac and then moved downward in a short stroke toward the nose. This downward movement helps to elevate hydrostatic pressure within the sac, which may force open the obstructing membrane.
Regular massage, performed three to four times a day for about ten strokes each session, has been shown to increase the resolution rate compared to simple observation. Maintaining good general hygiene is also important, especially washing hands before and after touching the baby’s face. These simple measures help prevent a non-infectious blockage from developing a secondary bacterial infection.
Identifying Signs That Require Medical Attention
While many cases of sticky eye are harmless and resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate the need for prompt medical evaluation. Any baby under thirty days old with red or sticky eyes should receive an urgent medical assessment. Parents should also seek professional advice if the eye itself becomes red or sore, which suggests the presence of conjunctivitis.
The appearance of symptoms like significant swelling of the eyelid or a dislike of bright lights are also concerning signs. If the discharge is thick, yellow, or green pus and is accompanied by redness of the whites of the eye, this suggests an infection that may require prescription eye drops. A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms fail to improve after five to seven days of consistent home care, or if they worsen.
Signs of a more serious complication include a tender, firm, red lump or swelling near the inner corner of the eye, which may indicate a severe infection of the tear sac. Additionally, parents should watch for systemic symptoms such as a high fever, extreme irritability, or lethargy. If a blocked tear duct persists past twelve months, a healthcare provider may suggest a referral to a specialist for a simple procedure to open the duct.