Often, babies and toddlers develop sticky eyes because of infection. These infections can occur in the ear duct, chemical conjunctivitis, or infectious conjunctivitis. Depending on the type of infection, you may want to see a doctor.
Blocked ear duct
Symptoms of blocked ear duct in babies and toddlers include watery eyes, tearing, and a buildup of white or yellow fluid in the corner of the eye. Usually, the condition clears up in a few months. If it doesn’t, the blockage may be related to a condition known as dacryocystitis. A child with dacryocystitis requires antibiotic eye drops to prevent an infection in the tear sac.
A small, thin instrument can be passed through the tear duct to check for any abnormal growth. In about 80 percent of cases, this procedure will open up the blocked duct. If this doesn’t work, the child will need surgery.
Another surgical option is balloon catheter dilation. This is done by threading a tube through the blocked duct and inflating it several times. The procedure is usually effective for infants and toddlers, but it may not be necessary for adults.
The first step in diagnosing a blocked duct is a medical history and physical exam. The baby may also be given tests to determine if there is a blockage. For example, a doctor may use a dye test to see if the tear duct is draining properly.
Massaging the area around the tear duct is another common method of preventing a blocked duct. A pediatric ophthalmologist can show you how to do this. This massage may help reduce the discharge and may also open up the duct.
Sometimes, the problem is so severe that the only treatment is a surgical probe. This can be done under general anesthesia. The surgeon can also perform a procedure called a dacryocystorhinostomy. This involves creating a new route for tears to drain from the lacrimal sac to the nose. Typically, the stent is removed after two or three months.
The ophthalmologist may also recommend a test to measure how well the tear duct is draining. In addition, the baby may be given an antibiotic, which will help to treat the infection in the tear sac.
Blocked ear ducts in babies and toddlers can be prevented by washing hands and avoiding cold and windy weather. In some cases, the blockage will clear up on its own.
Infectious conjunctivitis
During childhood, infectious conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections. It can be caused by a variety of different conditions, such as bacteria, viruses, and allergies. These can cause redness and swelling of the white part of the eye. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to treat the infection.
Infectious conjunctivitis is extremely contagious. It can spread from the patient’s eyes to other people in the home and in daycare centers. It can also be passed from friends and family members.
If your child has conjunctivitis, he or she should not share personal items or use a towel to wipe his or her face. He or she should wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading the disease. If the symptoms do not improve in two to three days, call the doctor’s office.
Infectious conjunctivitis can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Your GP will determine the type of infection and the appropriate treatment for your child.
Your child should not wear contact lenses if he or she has infectious conjunctivitis. Until the infection is healed, use artificial tears to help reduce the discomfort. Using a warm compress can also help relieve the itching and burning sensations.
Your GP may also recommend that your child receives antibiotic eye drops if he or she has bacterial conjunctivitis. The eye drop should be applied to both eyes, and it should be left on for several days after the infection has been gone. It is also recommended that your child wear glasses while he or she is being treated.
Your GP might suggest an eye swab if you have a symptom of a bacterial infection, such as a yellow or green discharge. He or she will then give you a prescription for the appropriate medication.
During an outbreak, your GP might do diagnostic microbiology tests to check for certain types of bacteria. However, these tests are not necessary for uncomplicated cases. If your child’s infection is severe, he or she may need to be referred to an ophthalmologist.
If you suspect that your child has conjunctivitis, see a doctor as soon as possible. The infection can be severe and can lead to blindness if not treated.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in babies and toddlers include swelling of the eyelids, itching, and redness. This may be caused by an infection or an allergic reaction to an allergen. It is important for your child to get treated quickly because if left untreated, it can lead to long-term vision damage.
There are two types of eye allergies: viral and bacterial. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander are common outdoor allergens. When these allergens enter the eyes, the body’s immune system responds by releasing histamine. The histamine causes inflammation in the eye.
Allergic conjunctivitis in babies and kids can be a serious condition that can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring. In addition, the condition can result in photophobia (fear of light) and severe itching.
The best way to treat the symptoms of conjunctivitis is to reduce exposure to allergens. For example, wearing goggles when outside will help you avoid pollen, which can be an allergen. If you are still experiencing symptoms after reducing your exposure, you can try using cold compresses to reduce the irritation. If these methods don’t work, you may need to use an antihistamine tablet or eye drops.
For children with mild symptoms, cleansing the eyelids with a cotton ball can help. Plain artificial tears can also be used to relieve discomfort. You can also try rubbing the eyes gently but don’t rub your eyelids too hard. Do not rub the eyes for too long, which can cause long-lasting damage.
In severe cases of allergic conjunctivitis, your child’s eyes may become so irritated that they swell up and produce a yellow or green discharge. This discharge is also sticky and can clog the eyelids when the child is asleep.
If your child is having trouble managing their eye allergies, you can take them to an allergy specialist. They can perform a series of tests to identify the allergen that is causing the problem. They can also prescribe medication if the condition is severe.
Your child may also need to wear glasses or goggles while outdoors. If they are not able to tolerate glasses, they can try to minimize their exposure to the allergen by wearing contact lenses.
Chemical conjunctivitis
During the first month of life, babies may develop chemical conjunctivitis. These infections can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals such as chlorine, air pollution, or other environmental factors. Depending on the cause, symptoms can include redness, a crust over the eye, watery eyes, and eyelid edema. In severe cases, these injuries may cause damage to the sight. In such circumstances, immediate medical care is necessary.
There are two types of conjunctivitis: bacterial and viral. In the bacterial type, the infected baby may develop a thick yellow discharge. The infected baby may also have eyelid edema and pain. These symptoms usually go away within a day or two. The bacterial type can be treated with antibiotic eye ointments or intravenous antibiotics. In some cases, the infection can spread to the lungs, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. In other cases, the symptoms are not severe enough to require treatment.
The incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis has decreased in the United States since the use of erythromycin ointment instead of silver nitrate was introduced. However, prophylactic silver nitrate can cause mild irritation and tear. In addition, it is not effective in preventing chlamydial conjunctivitis.
It is important for parents to monitor their babies’ symptoms. If the baby shows signs of worsening, it should be taken to a pediatrician for additional diagnosis and treatment. Some neonatal conjunctivitis may require surgery.
Viruses can also cause conjunctivitis in newborns. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can last for three weeks. If a child has an allergic reaction to a substance, he or she may be allergic to dust. If you suspect your child has an allergy, wash your hands and avoid touching the eyes. Using a warm compress on the affected area can help relieve swelling. Using saline drops or artificial tear solutions can also be beneficial.
In the case of chemical conjunctivitis, the eye will usually become red. The baby will be able to see, but the whites of the eye will be crusty. In other cases, the baby will have a mucous discharge that can be difficult to remove.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
