The appearance of yellow discharge or crusting around a baby’s eye can be concerning. While sticky, “gunky” eyes might suggest a serious infection, this symptom is extremely common in infants and is often caused by a benign, self-resolving condition. Understanding the difference between a simple drainage issue and an actual infection is important for determining the right steps. The nature of the discharge and the presence of other symptoms help identify the source of the problem.
The Most Common Culprit: Blocked Tear Ducts
In the majority of cases, yellow eye discharge in an infant is the result of a blocked tear duct, a condition known as dacryostenosis. Tears drain through a system of ducts into the nose, but in roughly 6% of newborns, the duct remains partially or fully closed at the nasal end. This blockage prevents tears from draining properly, causing them to pool on the eye’s surface.
The trapped tears mix with normal mucus and skin cells, creating the sticky, yellowish-white discharge that often crusts over the baby’s eye, particularly after sleep. This discharge is a consequence of improper drainage, not a bacterial invasion. The eye may look excessively watery, or tears may stream down the cheek, even when the baby is not crying.
A gentle massage technique, often called “milking,” is the primary home treatment recommended by healthcare providers. This involves applying gentle pressure near the inner corner of the eye, moving downward toward the nose. This action helps build hydrostatic pressure in the tear duct system, encouraging the blocking membrane to open. Most blocked tear ducts resolve on their own by the time the child is one year old.
Distinguishing Between Viral and Bacterial Eye Infections
When yellow discharge is caused by an infection, it is typically conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” which is an inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid and eye surface. Distinguishing between a viral and a bacterial cause is important because the treatments are different. Both types cause symptoms like redness and swelling, but they differ significantly in the quality of the discharge.
Bacterial conjunctivitis produces a thick, pus-like discharge that is distinctly yellow or green. This discharge is often copious, accumulating quickly and causing the eyelids to stick together severely, particularly in the morning. The white part of the eye, or sclera, is typically quite red, and the infection can affect one or both eyes. This infection usually requires a medical evaluation, as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are often prescribed.
Viral conjunctivitis is frequently associated with a common cold or other respiratory illness and presents with a primarily watery discharge. While the discharge is initially clear, it may become slightly white or yellowish-tinged mucus as the infection progresses. This type of infection often starts in one eye and can spread to the other. Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting and does not respond to antibiotics, meaning supportive care is the only necessary treatment.
Immediate Home Care and Warning Signs
Regardless of the cause, maintaining proper hygiene is necessary to manage symptoms and prevent irritation or the spread of infection. The discharge should be cleaned away gently using a fresh section of a clean, warm, wet cloth or cotton ball for each swipe. The cleaning motion should always be directed from the inner corner of the eye toward the outer edge. This technique prevents pushing debris back into the tear duct opening.
Thorough handwashing before and after touching the baby’s eyes is important to prevent contamination and limit the spread of any infectious cause. Using a separate towel or washcloth for the affected eye is a simple step to reduce cross-contamination. While most cases are benign, certain symptoms are warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
A parent should seek prompt medical evaluation if the baby develops a fever alongside the eye discharge. Other red flags include extreme swelling of the eyelids, redness extending onto the cheek, or a refusal to open the eye due to pain or sensitivity to light. Consultation is also necessary if the discharge is so thick and constant that it cannot be easily managed with cleaning, or if the eye appears intensely red and sore.