Seeing green discharge in your baby’s eye, often called “sticky eye,” can be alarming. This symptom is common in infants and is frequently caused by conditions that are easy to treat. The thick, colored discharge often indicates a bacterial process is at work, but the underlying reason may be a simple mechanical issue. Understanding the difference between a simple blockage and a full infection is the first step toward finding a resolution.
Understanding Blocked Tear Ducts
The most frequent cause of persistent eye discharge in infants is dacryostenosis, a blocked tear duct. Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland and normally drain through the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. In up to 6% of newborns, this duct is not fully open at birth, often due to a thin membrane. When the duct is blocked, tears pool on the eye’s surface, leading to a buildup of mucus and debris that appears clear, white, or yellowish. This stagnant fluid is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can turn the discharge a thicker, colored green.
Symptoms include excessive tearing and mucus discharge, typically without eye redness or eyelid swelling. This condition often resolves on its own within the first year of life. However, persistently thick and green discharge signals that bacteria have multiplied enough to cause a more active infection.
When Green Discharge Signals Bacterial Infection
The green or thick yellow color of the discharge indicates bacterial colonization, often called bacterial conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” This discharge is composed of white blood cells, dead bacteria, and inflammatory fluid, creating the opaque, colored appearance. Bacterial conjunctivitis can occur as a primary infection or secondary to a blocked tear duct where stagnant tears become infected.
The discharge is typically copious and reforms quickly after wiping, often causing the eyelids to stick together after sleeping. Unlike a simple blocked duct, bacterial conjunctivitis is often accompanied by significant redness of the eye and eyelid swelling. Certain bacteria, including those from the mother’s birth canal like Staphylococcus aureus or Chlamydia, can cause serious infections in newborns, leading to profuse green or yellow discharge.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands. Because certain bacteria can cause severe eye damage if left untreated, any persistent green or thick discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. A doctor will assess the infection’s severity and determine if the color is due to mild bacterial overgrowth or a more aggressive form of conjunctivitis.
Actionable Steps and Medical Treatment
If your baby has green eye discharge, contact your pediatrician for an evaluation. Immediate medical attention is necessary if the baby is under one month old, has a fever, or if the eye is significantly swollen, red, or tender. These symptoms indicate a serious infection requiring prompt intervention.
While awaiting an appointment, manage the discharge by gently wiping it away with a clean, warm, damp washcloth or cotton pad. Always wipe from the inner corner toward the outer corner. Use a fresh section or new pad for each wipe to prevent spreading bacteria.
For a suspected blocked tear duct, the pediatrician may recommend gentle tear duct massage, applying light pressure to the side of the nose near the inner corner of the eye. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, treatment involves antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Most blocked tear ducts resolve naturally, and the prognosis is excellent with appropriate cleaning and treatment.