Newborn bloodshot eyes, or redness in the white part of a baby’s eye, can be concerning. While often harmless and temporary, this redness can sometimes indicate an underlying issue requiring medical attention. Understanding the causes helps parents know when to seek professional advice.
Understanding Newborn Eye Redness
A common cause of newborn bloodshot eyes is a subconjunctival hemorrhage, a bright red spot on the white of the eye. This happens when tiny blood vessels under the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the eye’s surface, rupture due to birth pressure. Though concerning, it is typically benign and does not affect vision.
Minor irritants, such as dust, environmental factors, or routine eye drops given at birth, can cause temporary redness. This irritation usually resolves quickly once the irritant is removed. Blocked tear ducts (dacryostenosis) are another frequent cause. When a tear duct is blocked, tears cannot drain, leading to watery eyes, mucus, or discharge, which can cause irritation and redness.
Infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), are a more serious cause. These can be viral or bacterial, sometimes acquired during passage through the birth canal. Symptoms often include redness, eyelid swelling, and watery, pus-like, or sticky discharge. Less common causes include allergic reactions or trauma.
How Long Redness Typically Lasts
The duration of redness varies by cause. A subconjunctival hemorrhage, common after birth, resolves within one to three weeks. The red patch may change color as it heals, similar to a bruise.
Redness from simple irritation, like eye drops or environmental factors, usually clears within 24 to 36 hours. For blocked tear ducts, the blockage can persist for several months, with many cases resolving by the baby’s first birthday. Associated redness and discharge may come and go, and can worsen if a secondary infection develops.
Redness from infections like conjunctivitis will persist and worsen without medical intervention. Once treatment, such as antibiotic eye drops or oral medication, begins, symptoms typically improve within a few days to a week. Chemical conjunctivitis from prophylactic eye drops usually resolves within 24 to 72 hours. Any persistent or worsening eye redness in a newborn requires medical evaluation.
Urgent Signs for Medical Attention
While many instances of newborn eye redness are benign, certain signs require prompt medical attention. Seek immediate consultation if redness is accompanied by thick or colored discharge, especially yellow or green, as this can signal a bacterial infection. Significant or worsening eyelid swelling is also a concerning symptom.
Other urgent signs include fever, increased irritability, or excessive crying. Light sensitivity, where the baby squints or turns away from light, also warrants a doctor’s visit. If only one eye is affected with other symptoms, seek assessment. Any changes in the pupil or eye structure require immediate professional assessment. If you have any worry, even without obvious severe symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
Supporting Your Baby’s Eye Health
Good eye hygiene supports your baby’s eye health and helps manage minor irritation or discharge. Gently clean discharge using a clean, damp cloth or sterile gauze moistened with warm water or saline solution. Always wipe from the inner corner outward, using a fresh part of the cloth for each stroke to prevent spreading infection. Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching your baby’s eyes.
Warm compresses can provide comfort and help with mild irritation or to soften dried discharge. For a blocked tear duct, gentle massage may be recommended. This involves placing a finger at the side of the baby’s nose, near the inner corner of the eye, and applying gentle, downward strokes three to five times daily. This helps open the tear duct and encourage drainage.
Prevent exposure to irritants. Keep your baby away from smoke, strong perfumes, and other airborne irritants. Any suspected infection or persistent redness requires professional diagnosis and treatment. Avoid unprescribed home remedies, such as herbal infusions, as these are not sterile and could introduce new irritants or infections.