Eye Boogers In Newborns: What's Normal?

Eye boogers, or rheum, are a common occurrence in newborns and can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from the harmless to more serious infections that require medical attention. In this article, we will explore the different causes of eye boogers in newborns and provide guidance on when to seek medical advice. Eye discharge in newborns is typically caused by a blocked tear duct, which affects around 6%-20% of newborns and usually clears up on its own within the first year. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, can also cause eye discharge and may require medical treatment. Other causes include chemical irritation from eye drops or ointments, and, rarely, ophthalmia neonatorum, a bacterial infection transmitted during childbirth. While eye boogers are often harmless, it is important for parents and caregivers to recognise when to seek medical advice, such as in cases of persistent or excessive discharge, or when accompanied by other symptoms like eye redness, swelling, or tenderness.

Blocked tear ducts

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a blocked tear duct include:

• Tears pooling in the corner of the eye
• Tears draining down the eyelid and cheek
• Mucus or yellowish discharge in the eye
• Reddening of the skin from rubbing

Diagnosis

A blocked tear duct is typically diagnosed based on a complete medical history and a physical examination of the child. Additional tests are usually not required.

Treatment

In most cases, a blocked tear duct will clear up on its own without treatment. The most common treatment for unblocking the duct is gently "milking" or massaging the tear duct two to three times a day. If there are signs of infection, antibiotic eye drops may be used. If the blockage persists beyond the child's first birthday, a small probe may be used to enlarge the duct opening, or surgery may be required in more severe cases.

Conjunctivitis

• Blocked tear ducts: About 1 in 5 babies are born with partially or completely blocked tear ducts, which can cause watery or sticky eyes.
• Chemical conjunctivitis: Irritation caused by eye drops or ointments used to prevent infection in newborns.
• Infectious conjunctivitis: Bacteria or viruses that cause genital or oral herpes, or other sexually transmitted infections, can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis in newborns include:

• Redness and swelling of the eyelids
• Watery, bloody, or thick pus-like discharge from the eyes
• Tenderness of the eye area

Treatment for conjunctivitis in newborns depends on the underlying cause. Blocked tear ducts may clear up on their own or with the help of a gentle warm massage between the eye and nasal area. In some cases, surgery may be required if the blockage persists beyond the baby's first birthday.

Infectious conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses may require treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medications, respectively. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Most states have laws requiring providers to put antibiotic eye drops or ointment in a newborn's eyes within a few hours of birth to help prevent conjunctivitis and other eye infections.

Eye infections

Eye discharge is a common occurrence in newborn babies, and it is usually caused by a blocked tear duct. This condition, also known as "sticky eye", affects about 1 in 5 babies and happens when tears cannot drain away, causing watery or sticky eyes. It is not an infection and does not typically cause pain, but it can lead to an infection if left untreated.

To prevent and treat sticky eye, it is recommended to clean your baby's eyelids and massage their tear duct. This can help stop infections and encourage the tear duct to open. Cleaning can be done 1 to 2 times a day using a saline (salt) solution. Before cleaning, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and pat the eye dry with a clean or disposable towel. Then, gently wipe each eye from the inside corner to the outside corner with a disposable cotton swab soaked in water or the salt solution. Do not touch the eye itself or clean inside the eyelid, as this may damage the eye.

In most cases, sticky eye clears up on its own by the time the baby is 1 year old. However, if the condition persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. Consult a doctor if your baby:

• Seems sensitive to light
• Has large amounts of eye discharge
• Is constantly squeezing their eyes shut
• Has a swollen, red, and painful side of the nose
• Has a red or bloodshot white part of the eye
• Reaches 1 year of age with the tear duct still blocked

If left untreated, a blocked tear duct can sometimes lead to an infection called dacryocystitis. Symptoms of this condition include excessive thick discharge from the eye, redness in the corner of the eye, a tender bump or swelling at the side of the nose, and fussiness or irritability. If these symptoms occur, urgent medical attention is required, and your baby will likely be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.

Another possible complication of a blocked tear duct is conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which is an inflammation of the thin membrane covering the sclera (the white part of the eye). Conjunctivitis can be caused by a blocked tear duct, chemical irritation from eye drops or ointments used after birth, or a bacterial or viral infection passed from the mother during childbirth. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include watery eyes, yellowish discharge, swollen or tender eyelids, and redness of the eye area. Treatment for conjunctivitis may include gentle warm massages between the eye and nasal area, antibacterial eye drops or ointment, or oral antibiotics in the case of ophthalmia neonatorum (ON), a rare bacterial infection.

Allergies

Eye discharge in newborns is typically caused by a blocked tear duct, which is a very common condition. However, in some cases, eye discharge may be a symptom of allergies or allergic conjunctivitis.

It is important to note that newborns with eye discharge should be monitored for any additional symptoms that may indicate an infection or other eye problems. These symptoms can include swelling, tenderness, or redness of the eye area. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Styes

Eye discharge in newborns is very common and is usually caused by a blocked tear duct. This condition is known as 'sticky eye' and affects about 1 in 5 babies. It is not an infection and should not cause any pain to the baby. The blockage is usually in one eye but can occur in both and often clears up on its own. A warm compress can help, but if the issue persists, surgery may be required.

Now, onto styes. A stye is a small, painful bump on the eyelid, which occurs when an eyelash root or a gland in the eyelid gets blocked and infected with bacteria. The medical term for a stye is a hordeolum. Styes are usually found on the outside of the eyelid, but they can also develop on the inside, though this is less common. If your baby has a stye, you will notice a small lump where the skin is swollen, and the surrounding area will appear red due to inflammation. The stye may fill with yellow pus, and your baby's eye may water a lot.

It is important not to squeeze or pierce the stye to release the pus, as this could injure your baby's eye or cause the infection to spread. If the stye is very painful or swollen, does not improve within a few weeks, or keeps reappearing, consult a doctor. In most cases, they will likely reassure you that no specific action is required. However, they may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drops if there is an infection. Very rarely, they may refer you to an eye specialist.

• Do not use flannels or towels on your baby that have been used by someone with a stye.
• Keep your baby's eyes clean by gently wiping them with a piece of clean cotton wool or a soft, clean flannel dipped in warm water, moving from the nose outward. Use fresh, moist cotton wool for each eye.
• Wash your hands before and after cleaning your baby's eyes, and after touching your own eyes if you have a stye.

Frequently asked questions