When a baby’s eyes turn red, it is understandably alarming for a parent. This common symptom can signal a wide range of issues, from a minor, self-resolving irritation to a more serious infection requiring medical intervention. Understanding the specific signs that accompany the redness helps determine the underlying cause and the correct steps to take.
Non-Infectious Reasons for Redness
Redness in an infant’s eye does not always indicate an infection. Environmental factors can cause irritation, such as exposure to dust, strong winds, smoke, or chlorine. Excessive crying can also cause temporary redness due to increased pressure around the face and eyes.
A common non-infectious cause in newborns is a blocked tear duct, medically termed dacryostenosis. This condition occurs when the membrane at the end of the tear duct fails to fully open after birth, which affects approximately 20% of infants. Tears cannot drain properly into the nose, leading to a watery eye and a sticky, mucous-like discharge that is typically white or yellow. Blocked tear ducts usually resolve spontaneously within the first year of life as the drainage system matures.
A subconjunctival hemorrhage presents as a bright red patch on the white of the eye. This happens when a tiny blood vessel breaks beneath the conjunctiva. It is frequently caused by sudden strain, such as forceful coughing, vomiting, or pressure changes during childbirth, and reabsorbs on its own over one to three weeks.
Understanding Conjunctivitis
The redness may be a sign of conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This condition is frequently infectious and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. The type of discharge present is the most helpful clue for differentiating between the infectious causes.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is often associated with symptoms of a common cold, such as a runny nose or sore throat. The discharge tends to be thin, profuse, and watery, and the eyelid swelling can be significant. Symptoms often begin in one eye before spreading to the other. Treatment for viral pink eye focuses on symptom relief, as it typically resolves on its own within one or two weeks.
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually presents with a thicker, stickier discharge that is yellow or green in color. This material can cause the baby’s eyelids and eyelashes to become matted and stuck together, especially after sleeping. Bacterial infections often require antibiotic eye drops or ointment to clear the infection.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and typically occurs in both eyes simultaneously. This form is often linked to other systemic allergies and causes intense itching and watery discharge. If the baby has symptoms like sneezing or an itchy nose alongside the red eyes, allergy may be the cause.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Certain symptoms indicate a potentially serious problem that requires immediate assessment by a healthcare provider. A newborn under 28 days old with any sign of red or sticky eyes warrants urgent medical evaluation due to the risk of serious infections.
Redness that develops following any trauma, injury, or foreign object exposure to the eye should also prompt an immediate visit. Look for signs that the baby is experiencing discomfort or pain, such as extreme fussiness or crying that cannot be soothed. Light sensitivity, known as photophobia, where the baby squints or turns away from normal light, is a serious indicator.
Other concerning signs include:
- Swelling that extends beyond the eyelid to the surrounding facial area, suggesting a deeper infection.
- Any noticeable change in vision, such as difficulty tracking objects or a change in the pupil’s appearance.
- Redness concentrated around the iris.
- A fever alongside the eye symptoms.
Home Care and Comfort Measures
Thorough hand washing is the most effective step for anyone touching the baby’s eyes or administering care, as this prevents the spread of infection.
To clean the eye and remove discharge, use a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with warm, clean water. Gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward toward the ear. Use a fresh cotton ball or a clean section of the cloth for each wipe and never use the same item on both eyes to avoid cross-contamination.
Applying a warm compress to the closed eye can help loosen any crusted discharge. If an infectious cause is suspected, ensure that towels, washcloths, and bedding are washed frequently in hot water. Never use unprescribed eye drops, ointments, or home remedies without a doctor’s explicit instruction.