The sudden appearance of discharge in your baby’s eye is a common occurrence during infancy. This “goopy” or “sticky” eye often presents as excessive watering, sticky white or gray mucus, or a crusty buildup that can seal the eyelids shut after a nap. While the sight of this discharge, which can sometimes appear thick, yellow, or greenish, naturally raises concern, the underlying cause is frequently minor and resolves with simple care. Understanding the specific nature of the discharge is the first step toward determining the best course of action for your child.
Common Reasons for Eye Discharge
The two main reasons for eye discharge in infants are a physical obstruction in the tear drainage system or an inflammation of the eye’s surface. The most frequent and generally benign cause is a congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), where the tear duct has not fully opened at birth. When this drainage pathway is blocked, the tears pool, leading to a watery eye that often overflows onto the cheek. This stagnant fluid can then thicken and appear as a sticky, clear, or whitish-gray mucus in the inner corner of the eye, which is often most noticeable upon waking.
This condition is distinct from conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, which involves inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or a chemical irritant. Viral conjunctivitis, often accompanying a common cold, typically produces a thin, watery discharge and can affect one or both eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by a thicker, more abundant discharge that is often yellow or green, and the eyelids may be matted together. The crucial difference is that with a blocked duct, the eye usually remains white and calm, whereas conjunctivitis often causes redness in the white part of the eye.
Immediate Home Care and Cleaning Techniques
For both blocked ducts and mild discharge, the immediate goal is to keep the eye clean and comfortable. Before touching your baby’s eye area, thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the introduction or spread of bacteria. The discharge should be gently wiped away using a clean cotton ball, cotton pad, or a soft gauze square moistened with warm, sterile water or saline solution.
The correct cleaning motion is to swipe from the inner corner of the eye, nearest the nose, outward toward the ear. This technique prevents pushing debris back into the tear duct opening. Use a fresh, clean part of the cotton or a new cotton ball for each individual wipe to avoid reintroducing discharge. If both eyes are affected, use separate cleaning materials for each eye to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Tear Duct Massage
In the case of a suspected blocked tear duct, a gentle massage can be an effective intervention. This technique involves placing a clean fingertip or cotton swab near the inner corner of the eye, between the eye and the side of the nose. Applying mild pressure, gently stroke downward and slightly inward toward the nose for a few seconds. This action helps open the membrane that may be causing the blockage. This massage can be performed several times a day, such as during diaper changes or feedings, with three to five downward strokes per session.
When Professional Medical Attention is Necessary
While many cases of goopy eyes resolve spontaneously, certain signs indicate the need for a prompt consultation with a pediatrician. If the discharge becomes copious and thick, particularly if it is yellow or green pus, this is a strong indicator of a bacterial infection, which typically requires a doctor’s evaluation.
A significant red flag is the development of redness or swelling. If the white part of your baby’s eye appears red or bloodshot, or if the eyelids become puffy, it suggests an inflammatory process like conjunctivitis. Additionally, watch for signs of pain, such as the baby constantly squeezing the eye shut, or a noticeable sensitivity to light.
Parents should also seek medical attention if they observe a firm, red, or painful lump near the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose, which may indicate a localized infection of the tear sac called dacryocystitis. A fever, lethargy, or other signs of systemic illness accompanying the eye discharge are reasons for an immediate medical visit. If the blocked duct has not cleared by the time the child reaches one year of age, a doctor should be consulted for potential treatment.