Ophthalmology Questions Eye Discharge

Why does my baby have so much sticky substance coming out of her eyes?

My daughter is 1 month old and I've noticed that she has a lot of sticky discharge in her eyes. What could be causing this?

9 Answers

Could be a narrow tear duct or other cause. Please check with your pediatrician to see how her eye looks.
See an ophthalmologist.
She could have a serious infection or tear duct drainage problems. You should see an ophthalmologist.
She may have nasolacrimal duct partial obstruction. Many babies outgrow this as their facial structures mature, but this needs to be evaluated by a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Most likely a tear duct obstruction. Needs to see a pediatric ophthalmologist. 50% will open in the first six months of life without a probing.
You need to bring your baby to your pediatric specialist. It sounds like your baby has an infection.
Blocked tear ducts and eye infections are common at this age. See your eye doctor for a check-up.
This is usually a blocked tear duct. You can put a warm towel of the eye and massage in a circular motion at the corner of the eye near the nose. Do this 3-4 times a day and the tear duct will usually open up and the drainage stops.
This can be caused by a blocked tear duct and should be evaluated by her Primary Care Provider. Many times a simple tear duct massage may be the treatment required but if the white of the eye is red or irritated it may require antibiotic drops/ointment. Best to have her evaluated so you can be sure.