The presence of sticky residue, excessive tearing, or crusting around an infant’s eyes, often referred to as “goopy eye,” is a very common occurrence in newborns and young babies. This symptom is a sign that the delicate system designed to drain tears is not functioning optimally, or that the eye has encountered an irritant or infection. In the vast majority of cases, this issue is temporary and can be managed effectively with simple home care.
Blocked Tear Ducts
The most frequent, non-infectious reason for a baby’s goopy eye is a condition known as dacryostenosis, or a blocked tear duct. Tears are produced in the lacrimal glands and normally drain through small openings, called puncta, into the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the nose. This blockage typically occurs because a thin membrane at the end of the duct, where it enters the nasal passage, has not fully opened at birth.
Since the tears cannot drain, they back up onto the eye’s surface, leading to excessive watering and the accumulation of sticky or yellowish mucus in the corner of the eye. While the eye may look irritated, a blocked duct does not usually cause redness of the white part of the eye. This issue often resolves spontaneously within the first few months of life, but gentle intervention can help speed the process.
A primary home remedy involves performing a gentle lacrimal massage, sometimes called “milking the duct.” Before you begin, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent introducing bacteria to the area. Place your index finger or a clean cotton swab on the side of your baby’s nose, right near the inner corner of the affected eye.
Apply light but firm pressure and stroke downward toward the nostril for three to five short motions, which helps increase hydrostatic pressure to open the blocking membrane. You can perform this massage two to three times per day, such as during diaper changes or feedings.
Infectious Causes
When the eye discharge is not simply clear or slightly sticky but becomes thick and pus-like, it may indicate a form of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. This inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelid, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens. Allergic conjunctivitis, while less common in newborns, tends to cause intense itching, redness, and a watery discharge.
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically presents with a thick, copious, yellow or green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick completely together, especially after waking from sleep. This type often requires antibiotic treatment to clear the infection. Viral conjunctivitis is frequently associated with a cold or upper respiratory infection and produces a thinner, more watery discharge that may be accompanied by redness. Viral forms are highly contagious but often run their course without specific medical treatment.
Cleaning and Comfort Measures
Keeping the affected eye clean is paramount to managing discomfort and preventing a secondary infection, so always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby’s face. To remove the dried crust or sticky discharge, use a clean cotton ball, sterile gauze, or a soft washcloth dipped in lukewarm water or sterile saline solution. Gently wipe the eye from the inner corner, closest to the nose, outward toward the ear.
Use a fresh cotton ball or a clean section of the cloth for each wipe to avoid spreading the discharge. Avoid rubbing the eye vigorously, and never use soap or harsh cleansers directly on the eye area. Routine cleaning throughout the day, whenever discharge accumulates, will help prevent the eyelids from sticking together and improve your baby’s overall comfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many cases of goopy eye resolve on their own, certain “red flag” symptoms indicate that a visit to the pediatrician is necessary, such as fever, extremely swollen or tender eyelids, light sensitivity, or constantly squeezing one eye shut. A persistent, painful, red lump near the inner corner of the eye, known as dacryocystitis, signals an infection of the tear sac that requires immediate antibiotic treatment. For a confirmed bacterial infection, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
If excessive tearing from a blocked tear duct continues past the age of six to twelve months, the doctor may recommend a minor, outpatient procedure called probing. This involves gently inserting a thin wire into the tear duct to open the membrane, a highly effective treatment used only when conservative measures have failed.