Developing a patch of redness near a baby’s eye can be alarming for parents. This specific area, the inner corner closest to the nose bridge, is anatomically called the inner canthus. Redness in this localized spot is common and often points to a benign issue, but it can also signal an infection that requires attention. This guide explores the most frequent causes of inner eye corner redness, helping distinguish between minor irritation and a problem requiring professional medical guidance.
Understanding Blocked Tear Ducts
The most frequent non-infectious cause of inner corner redness in infants is a blocked tear duct, known as dacryostenosis. This occurs when the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears into the nose, is either underdeveloped or blocked by a membrane at birth. When tears cannot drain properly, they back up, causing the eye to appear excessively watery (epiphora).
This stagnant fluid collects in the tear sac at the inner corner, causing mild swelling and localized redness. A blocked duct may also produce a minimal amount of clear or slightly crusty discharge, especially after the baby wakes up. The redness is often a secondary result of overflowing tears irritating the delicate skin around the eye.
This condition usually resolves on its own as the baby’s drainage system matures, typically within the first year of life. Home care can help manage symptoms and encourage the duct to open. Gentle massage of the tear sac, using a clean finger or cotton swab, applies hydrostatic pressure to help force fluid through the blockage.
To perform the massage, press gently on the area between the inner corner of the eye and the side of the nose, then slide the finger downward. Cleaning the eye several times a day with a warm washcloth or cotton ball helps remove discharge and prevent secondary infections. Always wipe from the inner corner outward, using a fresh section of the cloth or a new cotton ball for each wipe to prevent spreading bacteria.
When Redness Signals Infection
If redness is not confined to the inner corner or is accompanied by changes in discharge, it may indicate an infection, most commonly conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Unlike the localized redness from a blocked duct, conjunctivitis typically causes diffuse redness across the entire white part of the eye (the sclera). The type of discharge associated with an infection is a significant differentiator.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by thick, yellow or green discharge, often causing the eyelids to stick shut after sleeping. Viral conjunctivitis usually presents with a more watery, less sticky discharge and often coincides with other cold symptoms.
Both types of infectious conjunctivitis are highly contagious and require careful hygiene measures to prevent transmission. Frequent handwashing is necessary for anyone touching the baby’s face or administering eye drops. Use separate towels and washcloths for the infected baby and wash bedding frequently. The widespread redness and thick discharge of true conjunctivitis demand a prompt evaluation by a medical professional.
Environmental and Irritation Factors
Beyond blockages and infections, a baby’s delicate eye area can become red due to environmental exposure or physical irritation. The skin around the eyes is thin and reactive, so minor irritants can quickly cause localized redness. Exposure to common household substances, such as perfume, strong soaps, or shampoos during bath time, can trigger a transient reaction.
Allergies are a possible, though less common, cause of redness in infants under a year old, usually involving itchiness that causes the baby to rub their eyes excessively. Physical friction, such as rubbing the face against bedding or rubbing the eyes when tired, can also lead to temporary redness around the eye corner. This type of irritation is self-limiting and resolves shortly after the irritant is removed or the rubbing stops.
If a foreign body, like dust or a stray eyelash, is suspected, the redness will be accompanied by increased tearing as the eye attempts to flush it out. A gentle rinse with cool, clean water or saline solution can help remove the particle. Redness from irritation is transient; it should resolve quickly and not progress to thick discharge or systemic symptoms.
Warning Signs Requiring Prompt Medical Care
While many causes of eye redness are minor, certain symptoms signal a more serious problem requiring immediate consultation with a pediatrician or emergency medical care. These signs should not be ignored, as they can indicate a deeper infection or complication. Parents should be vigilant for signs of infection extending beyond the eye’s surface.
Seek prompt medical care if you observe any of the following:
- Fever: Redness accompanied by a fever suggests a systemic infection.
- Swelling: Significant swelling of the eyelid, the skin surrounding the eye, or the facial tissue near the nose may indicate a serious condition like periorbital cellulitis.
- Pain or Distress: If the baby shows obvious signs of pain, is inconsolable, or refuses to open the affected eye, seek immediate attention.
- Light Sensitivity: An unusual sensitivity to light (photophobia) can suggest inflammation within the eye.
- Localized, Tender Red Lump: A tender, red lump at the inner corner of the eye could be dacryocystitis, an infection of the tear sac itself.
- Vision Change: Any suspicion of impaired vision or a difference in the eye’s appearance, such as a cloudy cornea, warrants urgent care.