How to treat a newborn gunky eye?

Understanding Newborn Gunky Eyes
When new parents notice a gunky eye in their newborn, it can be a source of concern. However, it’s important to understand that sticky eye discharge is quite common in infants and is often not a cause for alarm. The most frequent reason for this condition is a blocked tear duct, which affects about 10% of newborns. This blockage can lead to excessive tearing and discharge, typically manifesting as a yellowish or clear fluid around the eye.
Causes of Gunky Eyes
The discharge can vary in appearance, ranging from a small amount of dried mucus in the corner of the eye to more significant discharge that may crust over. In many cases, this is simply due to an irritant, such as dirt or debris, that has entered the eye, or it may be a result of the tear duct not fully opening at birth .
In some instances, the discharge may indicate an infection, particularly if it is accompanied by redness, swelling, or persistent discharge that does not improve. In such cases, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician or ophthalmologist, as your baby may require antibiotics to treat the infection.
Treatment Options
For most cases of gunky eyes due to a blocked tear duct, treatment is straightforward. Here are some recommended steps:
1. Gentle Cleaning: Use a clean, warm, damp cloth to wipe away any discharge. This should be done gently to avoid irritating the eye further. It’s advisable to wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward, using a different part of the cloth for each wipe to prevent spreading any potential infection.
2. Tear Duct Massage: If the discharge persists, parents can perform a gentle massage on the tear duct. This involves using a clean finger to apply gentle pressure at the corner of the eye, just above the nose. This can help to open the blocked duct and promote drainage.
3. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on the situation. If the discharge worsens, changes in color, or if your baby shows signs of discomfort, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Persistent symptoms may require further evaluation and possibly more invasive treatments, such as nasolacrimal probing, which is typically reserved for older infants.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most cases of gunky eyes in newborns resolve on their own, there are specific signs that warrant a visit to the doctor. If the discharge is accompanied by fever, excessive redness, swelling, or if your baby seems unusually fussy or in pain, these could be indicators of an infection or other complications that need professional assessment.
In conclusion, while a gunky eye in a newborn can be concerning, understanding the common causes and appropriate treatments can help alleviate worries. With proper care and monitoring, most cases resolve without the need for extensive medical intervention. Always trust your instincts as a parent; if something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.

Can I put breastmilk in my baby’s eye?

Medical Research Concerning Breast Milk
However, breast milk is not effective against all bacterial eye infections. In addition, it typically does not eradicate the infection, but only seems to suppress it. If your infant’s eye infection goes untreated, they could develop long-term eye damage.

How long does a newborn sticky eye last?

It usually gets better by itself within a few weeks or months. If the tear duct is still blocked and causing a sticky eye at 12 months of age you can speak to your GP who may refer your baby to an eye specialist. It is safe to wait a bit longer if it is not bothering your baby as it often improves with time.

How to unblock a newborn’s tear duct?

How Is a Tear-Duct Blockage Treated? Often a blocked tear duct clears up on its own, especially in babies under 6 months old. If your child has a blocked tear duct, your doctor may show you how to massage the eye several times a day at home for a few months. Massaging can help open the blockage.

Does breast milk help conjunctivitis?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamine use for your child. You may have heard breastmilk can be used on a baby’s eyes if they are gunky or sticky. Breastmilk does not treat conjunctivitis and there is no benefit to using it on your baby’s eyes, but it is not harmful. Formula should never be used.

Does breast milk help a newborn’s sticky eye?

Try placing a drop or two of breast milk directly into the inner portion of your baby’s eyes while they are closed— once they open their eyes, the milk will fall into the eyes and work to clear up any infection. Use this treatment a few times a day for a week or two or until their tear ducts have cleared up.

Does breastmilk help conjunctivitis?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamine use for your child. You may have heard breastmilk can be used on a baby’s eyes if they are gunky or sticky. Breastmilk does not treat conjunctivitis and there is no benefit to using it on your baby’s eyes, but it is not harmful. Formula should never be used.

When should I worry about newborn eye discharge?

You should always see your doctor if you think your baby has an eye infection. You should also see your doctor if: your baby seems sensitive to light. they have large amounts of eye discharge.

How do you clear a gunky eye in a newborn?

Treatment

1. Wash your hands.
2. Wet a sterile cotton ball with saline solution.
3. Gently wipe your baby’s eye from the inside corner to the outside corner. Use a new cotton ball for each wipe.
4. Dry the eye using a different cotton ball, wiping from the inside corner out.
5. Wash your hands.

How can I treat my baby’s eye infection at home?

Using cool or warm compresses on the eyes may make your child more comfortable. Clean the edges of the infected eye carefully with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. This can also remove the crusts of dried discharge that make the eyelids stick together in the morning.

Does breastmilk help baby conjunctivitis?

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about antihistamine use for your child. You may have heard breastmilk can be used on a baby’s eyes if they are gunky or sticky. Breastmilk does not treat conjunctivitis and there is no benefit to using it on your baby’s eyes, but it is not harmful. Formula should never be used.