Newborns often have crusty or sticky eyes, a common observation for many parents. While concerning, this is frequently a benign issue that resolves with simple care. Understanding the reasons for crusting and knowing appropriate home care techniques can provide reassurance and help identify when medical attention is necessary.
Primary Reasons for Crusting
One of the most frequent causes of crusty eyes in newborns is a blocked tear duct, medically termed nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Tears are continuously produced to lubricate the eye and normally drain through small channels into the nose. In newborns, this drainage system may not be fully open, often due to a thin membrane that has not yet dissolved. When the tear duct is blocked, tears accumulate, leading to watery eyes and a sticky or crusty discharge, particularly noticeable after sleep. Approximately 1 in 5 newborns experience this condition, which often resolves on its own within the first year of life.
Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is another reason for eye crusting. It involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically presents with thick, pus-like discharge that can be yellow or green, along with redness and eyelid swelling. This infection may arise from bacteria encountered during childbirth, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, appearing within days or up to two weeks after birth.
Viral conjunctivitis, in contrast, usually causes a more watery discharge and can be associated with common cold viruses. A less common but potentially serious cause is the herpes simplex virus, which may also present with blisters around the eye. Chemical conjunctivitis can occur as a reaction to eye drops administered at birth to prevent bacterial infections. This typically results in mild redness and eyelid swelling that usually subsides within 24 to 36 hours.
Other minor irritants can also lead to crusty eyes. Environmental factors like dust, lint, or mild reactions to air can cause irritation. A baby rubbing or scratching their eyes can also introduce irritants or cause mild inflammation, contributing to crusting. These irritations typically resolve quickly once the source is removed.
Effective Home Care
Gentle home care can be effective for a newborn’s crusty eye, especially if a blocked tear duct or mild irritation is suspected. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing new bacteria.
Use a clean cotton ball or a soft, damp washcloth soaked in sterile saline solution or warm, previously boiled water that has cooled. Gently wipe the eye from the inner corner, closest to the nose, outwards towards the ear. Use a fresh cotton ball or a different section of the washcloth for each wipe and for each eye to avoid spreading any potential infection. Repeat this cleaning process two to three times a day, or as needed, to remove discharge.
For a blocked tear duct, a gentle massage can help open the obstruction. After cleaning the eye, place the tip of your index finger on the side of the baby’s nose, right at the inner corner of the eye. Apply firm but gentle pressure and stroke downwards towards the nostril three to five times. This massage can be performed around three times a day to encourage the tear duct to open.
Avoid using unapproved substances like breast milk directly in the eyes. Despite anecdotal claims, breast milk is not sterile and can introduce bacteria, potentially worsening an existing condition or causing a new infection. Similarly, harsh soaps, baby wipes, or homemade saline solutions should not be used on a newborn’s delicate eye area, as they can cause irritation or infection.
Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor
While many instances of crusty eyes are manageable at home, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if eye symptoms worsen despite consistent home care, or if they do not improve within a day or two. This includes persistent or increasing redness in the white part of the eye or around the eyelids.
A significant amount of pus-like discharge, especially if it is thick, yellow, or green, warrants medical attention. Swelling of the eyelids that appears to be increasing or a painful lump near the inner corner of the eye are also concerning symptoms. These signs could suggest a bacterial infection that requires prescription treatment.
Additional symptoms accompanied by eye crusting should prompt a doctor’s visit. These include the baby developing a fever, becoming unusually irritable, or showing sensitivity to light. If the baby has difficulty keeping their eyes open, or if blisters appear around the eye area, immediate medical attention is necessary. This information serves as general guidance and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.