Eye
Ailments
Blocked Tear duct
• A blocked tear duct is very common
during the newborn phase and most of the
time it resolves as baby grows. The tear
ducts are tiny tubes that run from the corner
of the eyes, collecting the tears which
are constantly being produced to keep the
eye moist; the fluid then passes down into
the nose cavity.
• In small babies there can be a blockage
at the bottom end of the tear duct which
causes germs to grow in the moist site.
This then oozes out as discharge.
• A blocked duct seldom requires treatment
but if the problem persists at six months
and up, treatment becomes necessary.
• In such a situation, white gooey
stuff collects in the corner and edges of
the eyelids. The eye may also seem 'weepy'.
• Wipe your baby's eyes with cooled
boiled water (use a different cotton ball
for each eye) from the inner corner then
outwards every few hours. Massage gently
by rubbing at the side of the nose beneath
the corner of the eye.
• If regular cleaning and massaging
(for a day or so) doesn't seem to improve
the situation, you will need to call the
GP. The infection needs to be treated with
antibiotic eye drops.
"Sticky Eyes"
As with blocked tear duct this too is quite
common. One or both eyelids end up sticking
together while baby is asleep due to discharge
from the eyes. This is usually an irritation
that results from the fluids your baby has
encountered at birth. Wipe your baby's eyes
with cooled boiled water using a different
cotton wool for each eye every few hours.
It is rarely conjunctivitis and more likely
a blocked tear duct. However if there is
no improvement consult your GP.
Crossed or Squinty eyes
This situation is especially common in the
first 3 months because baby's eyes are not
working together yet. This is due to a lack
of muscle power in controlling the eyes.
It becomes more obvious when baby is relaxed
and feeding. She will be able to focus both
eyes when her eye muscle develops. It becomes
a concern if there is no change after this
time frame.
Eye care Don'ts
• Do not constantly wipe baby's eyes
with tissues or face cloths.
• Do not change formula because of
sticky eyes.
• Do not clean baby's eyes with any
kind of tea.
• Do not discontinue breastfeeding
in case of sticky eyes.
• Do not use the same cotton ball
or same side of the washcloth to clean both
eyes.
Medical
assistance becomes necessary if:
• Discharge becomes darker yellow
and more sticky.
• Discharge gets worse by the day.
• The whites of the eyes start to
redden and you detect some swelling.
