The appearance of a sticky, “goopy” eye in an infant can be alarming, but this condition, medically termed epiphora or discharge, is common in the early months of life. It signifies a buildup of tear fluid and mucus that often crusts overnight. While it is rarely a serious health threat, understanding the characteristics of the discharge is the first step in determining the proper course of action.
Distinguishing Between Common Causes
The discharge is usually a symptom of one of three issues: a blocked tear duct, a bacterial or viral infection, or simple irritation. The most frequent cause, affecting up to one in five newborns, is a blocked tear duct, known as dacryostenosis. This occurs because the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears from the eye into the nose, is not fully open at birth.
A blocked tear duct typically produces a clear or slightly whitish to yellowish, sticky discharge that often worsens after the baby wakes up. The white part of the eye, the conjunctiva, usually remains clear and white. This condition is generally confined to one eye and causes excessive watering because the tears cannot drain properly.
In contrast, conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” involves inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane and is often contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is suggested by thick, pus-like discharge that is yellow or greenish, present throughout the day, and accompanied by redness of the white of the eye. Viral conjunctivitis, frequently associated with a common cold, usually causes a more watery or clear discharge and can affect both eyes. Simple irritation is a third possibility, which might cause mild, transient redness and watering due to environmental factors like dust, soap, or chlorine.
Step-by-Step Home Cleaning and Care
Regardless of the underlying cause, maintaining hygiene is the most immediate and beneficial step a parent can take. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching your baby’s eye area to prevent the introduction or spread of bacteria.
To clean the discharge, moisten a clean cotton ball or piece of gauze with sterile water or a cooled, boiled water solution. Gently wipe the eye only once, moving from the inner corner near the nose outwards toward the ear. This directional wiping helps clear the mucus away from the tear duct opening.
Use a fresh, clean cotton ball or gauze for every wipe, especially if cleaning both eyes, to avoid transferring any potential infection. For cases involving a blocked tear duct, a gentle massage can help encourage the duct to open.
Place a clean fingertip on the skin near the inner corner of the baby’s eye, next to the bridge of the nose. Apply soft, light pressure and slide your finger downwards along the side of the nose for about one to two centimeters. This action helps push fluid down and potentially dislodge the blockage, and it can be performed several times a day.
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
While many cases of sticky eye are manageable at home, certain symptoms require professional medical evaluation. The appearance of redness on the white part of the eye, or inflammation that spreads beyond the eyelid skin, suggests a more serious infection is developing.
If your baby develops swelling around the eye, has a fever, or seems to be in pain, seek immediate care. Other concerning signs include photophobia, which is an unusual sensitivity to light, or if your baby is constantly squeezing the eye shut.
Dacryocystitis, an infection of the tear sac itself, is indicated by a firm, red, and tender swelling between the inner corner of the eye and the nose. If the discharge is so profuse that the eye crusts shut immediately after cleaning, or if your baby appears drowsy or irritable alongside the eye symptoms, consult a pediatrician.