A baby’s goopy eye is a frequent concern for new parents, often appearing as sticky discharge or crusting around the eyelids. This discharge can range from clear and watery to thick and discolored, sometimes causing the eyelashes to stick together. Understanding the underlying reasons can help parents respond appropriately.
Common Reasons for Goopy Eyes
One frequent cause of goopy eyes in infants is a blocked tear duct, also known as dacryostenosis. Tears are continuously produced to lubricate and cleanse the eye, draining through small openings in the inner corner of the eyelids into the nasolacrimal duct. In up to 20% of newborns, this duct may not be fully developed at birth, or a thin membrane may block its opening, preventing tears from draining properly. This leads to a buildup of tears that can appear watery or slightly milky, sometimes with dried crusting on the eyelashes, even when the baby is not crying. Symptoms typically emerge between birth and 12 weeks of age.
Another common reason for eye discharge is conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane lining the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Bacterial conjunctivitis often presents with thick, pus-like discharge that can be yellow, green, or gray, making eyelids stick together, especially after sleep. Viral conjunctivitis, frequently associated with a common cold, typically results in a watery discharge. Both types can cause redness in one or both eyes, and the eyelids may appear puffy.
Minor irritants can also cause temporary goopiness. Particles like dust, lint, or an eyelash can get into a baby’s eye, leading to irritation, increased tearing, and mild discharge. Additionally, some infants experience temporary eye irritation and mild discharge from eye drops administered at birth, such as erythromycin ointment. These types of irritations typically resolve on their own without specific treatment.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many cases of goopy eyes in babies are benign, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. If the eye or surrounding eyelid shows excessive redness or swelling, or if the discharge appears pus-like, seek medical advice. This is particularly important if the discharge is yellow or green and persists throughout the day after wiping, or if the eyelids are matted shut.
Other concerning signs include a fever, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or if the baby seems unwell or in pain. If the goopiness worsens despite home care, or if there is a firm, red, painful lump near the side of the nose, this could indicate an infection of the tear sac called dacryocystitis, requiring urgent medical attention. If a baby less than 30 days old has red, sticky eyes, seek urgent medical attention. Parents should always trust their instincts if they are concerned about their baby’s eye health.
Gentle Care at Home
For mild cases of goopy eyes, particularly those suspected to be from a blocked tear duct or minor irritation, gentle home care can be beneficial. Before touching your baby’s eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of bacteria. This reduces the risk of introducing infection.
To clean the eye, moisten a clean cotton ball or a soft cloth with lukewarm water. Gently wipe the eye from the inner corner, near the nose, moving outwards towards the ear. Use a fresh section of the cotton ball or a new cotton ball for each wipe, and always use a separate clean cotton ball for the other eye if both are affected. This prevents reintroducing discharge or irritants.
For a blocked tear duct, a gentle massage can help open the obstruction. With a clean finger, apply light pressure to the side of your baby’s nose, near the inner corner of the eye. Stroke downwards along the side of the nose for about 1 to 2 centimeters, repeating this motion three to five times. This massage can be performed two to three times a day. If the skin around the eye becomes sore from constant wiping, a thin layer of petroleum jelly can be applied to protect it.