Understanding Newborn Eye Swelling And Its Duration

how long do newborns eyes stay swollen

Newborns often have swollen eyes due to a variety of factors. In most cases, the swelling is temporary and harmless, resolving within the first few days of life. One common cause of swollen eyes in newborns is the use of eye drops with antibiotics right after birth. Additionally, newborns may experience eye swelling due to crying, rubbing their eyes, or fluid retention during sleep. While these instances often subside on their own, it is important to monitor for any signs of infection or other conditions that may require medical attention.

Characteristics Values
How long do newborns' eyes stay swollen? The swelling reduces over the first few days of life
Cause of the swelling Antibiotic eye drops given right after birth
Cause of the swelling Infection by bacteria or viruses
Cause of the swelling Blocked tear duct
Cause of the swelling Allergies
Cause of the swelling Insect bites
Cause of the swelling Crying
Cause of the swelling Rubbing their eyes

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Swelling caused by eye drops given at birth

It is common for newborns to have puffy or swollen eyes after birth. In most cases, the swelling is temporary and harmless, resolving within a few days. However, it is important to monitor the baby's eyes for any signs of infection or other conditions.

One possible cause of swelling in a newborn's eyes is the use of eye drops given at birth. Eye drops containing antibiotics are often administered to newborns to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum. This condition is caused by the transmission of bacteria, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, from the mother to the baby during childbirth. These infections can lead to severe eye damage and even blindness if left untreated.

The use of antibiotic eye drops after birth is a common practice to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis. However, it is important to note that the eye drops themselves may cause temporary swelling or irritation in the baby's eyes. This swelling should subside on its own within a few days. In some cases, the eye drops may also cause chemical pink eye, which can lead to eye irritation and blurred vision.

It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if there are any concerns about the baby's eye swelling or if there are other symptoms present, such as discharge from the eyes or fever. While eye drops are a common preventative measure, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential risks, especially in regions with low rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.

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Blocked tear duct

A blocked tear duct, or dacryostenosis, is a common condition that affects around 6 to 10% of newborns. It occurs when the openings into the tear duct don't form properly, causing a blockage that prevents tears from draining away from the eye. This can happen in one or both eyes and may be constant or come and go.

Symptoms

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

It's important to note that infants don't produce tears until they are several weeks old, so a blocked tear duct may not be noticeable at birth. Symptoms may only appear when the baby cries or in cold or windy weather when tear production is stimulated.

Diagnosis and Treatment

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

The most common treatment for a blocked tear duct is gentle "milking" or massage of the tear duct two to three times a day. A healthcare provider will demonstrate how to do this correctly.

If there are signs of infection, such as pus in the eye or eyelids stuck together, antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed. In most cases, the infection should clear up within a few days with proper treatment.

Nearly all blocked tear ducts open on their own, usually by the time the child is one year old. However, if the duct remains blocked after this time, further treatment may be necessary. The duct opening can be enlarged with a small probe, and in more severe cases, surgery may be required to fix the duct.

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Conjunctivitis

Newborns can also get conjunctivitis if their eyes are irritated by chemicals, like eye drops that they're given when they're born. Doctors give babies eye drops to prevent infections, but these eye drops can also irritate some babies' eyes. The good news is that this kind of conjunctivitis usually gets better on its own in 1 to 2 days and is much less serious than an infection.

To treat conjunctivitis, you can use a warm compress (like a warm baby washcloth) to help get rid of crust and fluid (discharge). A cool compress (like a washcloth with cool water) may help with swelling and puffiness. Your baby's doctor may also recommend using a saline (salt) solution to help rinse out your baby's eyes.

It is important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor because the treatment differs depending on what's causing the infection.

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Allergies

Newborns are often born with puffy eyes, and this swelling usually goes down over the first few days of life. However, if your baby's eyes remain swollen, it could be due to allergies.

Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, are common, affecting 10% of children. Symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, mild eyelid swelling, and a sticky, stringy mucus discharge. These symptoms can be managed with allergy eye drops, such as antihistamine eye drops (e.g., Ketotifen) or older antihistamine/vasoconstrictor eye drops (e.g., Visine-A). Oral allergy medications, such as long-acting antihistamines (e.g., Zyrtec), can also be effective, especially if the child also has nasal allergies (hay fever).

To prevent eye allergies, it is recommended to wash the hair daily during pollen season, as hair collects pollen. Additionally, avoiding known allergens, such as certain animals or irritants, can help prevent allergic reactions. Keeping a journal to track potential triggers can be useful in identifying allergens.

While eye allergies are typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter treatments, it is important to monitor for more severe reactions. If symptoms do not improve within a couple of days of treatment, or if they worsen, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In the rare case of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, immediate medical attention is required.

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Blepharitis

It is common for newborns to have puffy eyes after birth, and the swelling usually goes down within the first few days. However, if your baby's eyes remain swollen, it could be due to a condition called blepharitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of blepharitis can vary among children, but generally include:

  • Redness and scales at the edges of the eyelids
  • Burning sensation in and around the eyes
  • Fluid seeping from the eyelids
  • Itchy eyes
  • Flaky skin around the eyes
  • Crusty eyelashes

Causes

The exact cause of blepharitis may differ from case to case, but it is often associated with:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Abnormal production and secretion of the oil-making (sebaceous) glands in the eyelid
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammation of the top layers of the skin, causing red, itchy, scaly skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Applying warm, moist compresses to the eyes for several minutes, several times a day
  • Daily eyelid cleaning with a gentle baby shampoo and a clean, wet washcloth
  • Antibiotic ointment for the eyes to prevent the spread of infection
  • Instructing the child to avoid rubbing their eyes
  • Frequent handwashing

In cases where the child also has seborrheic dermatitis, additional treatments may be recommended, such as:

  • Using an antifungal shampoo or cream
  • Applying a corticosteroid cream or lotion
  • Gently brushing the child's head during washing with a mild baby shampoo

For severe cases of blepharitis, consultation with an ophthalmologist or eye care specialist may be necessary. While there is no cure for blepharitis, proper treatment can help control symptoms and prevent potential complications.

Frequently asked questions

Newborns' eyes are usually swollen because of the pressure of delivery and the puffiness typically goes down over the first few days of life.

The pressure of delivery can cause subconjunctival haemorrhages, which are similar to skin bruises and go away in a few days. Eye drops with antibiotics given right after birth can also cause eye swelling that should go away on its own.

If the swelling is accompanied by symptoms of an infection, such as yellow or green discharge, or a bump or swelling on the inside corner of the eye, contact a doctor immediately.

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