Baby Eye Infection
Baby Eye Infection: Causes and Treatments
Redness or tearing eyes can occur in babies, but that does not always indicate a baby eye infection. The mucous membrane in babies is particularly sensitive toward wind and sunlight, thus they are very easily infected. When it comes to eye infections, it is crucial to find out what triggered it to be able to treat it accordingly.
Pink Eye
If your baby has pink eye you will see that the eyes are swollen and red. Additionally, there will be a lot of tearing and sometimes you may also encounter purulent mucous. This type of baby eye infection can be very unpleasant for the little ones because it causes a terrible itch which is accompanied by a burning sensation. Thus, your baby may try to scratch or rub the eye which enhances the problem. By touching the infected eye with their hand, dirt and bacteria can enter the eye and worsen the symptoms.
When you notice these things, you should seek medical attention. Pink eye is a contagious disease and you must take special hygienic care to protect your baby and yourself.
Infectious diseases
Sometimes a baby eye infection can be a secondary illness that is caused by a cold or flu. If your baby caught a cold, it is not unusual that the eyes get also infected. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to give you eye drops that are very effective for this type of baby eye infection. To ensure that it is not something more serious you should check with the doctor first.
Allergies
Even babies can develop allergies that cause certain reactions. One in three babies is at risk for allergies due to the fact that they are born with a so-called 'atopic predisposition'. Redness and itchy eyes can be caused by an allergy such as pollen or dust. The baby eye infection may also be triggered by pets. Only a doctor can determine if your child has an allergy and what he or she is allergic to.
Constricted Tear Duct
Some babies experience infections due to the fact that their tear duct is too narrow and tears cannot get through. Thus, this 'tear jam' can cause a baby eye infection. The eyes may get sticky and covered in a yellow-white discharge.
In most cases, this constriction is only temporary and will disappear as the baby gets a little older. At times it helps to massage the area around the eye to set the tear duct free, but you must ask the doctor to show you how to do that. In extremely severe cases (which are very rare) your baby may need to undergo surgery. This type of surgery is nothing to worry about, but it is certainly unpleasant for you and your baby.
Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution, dust, and stress can also cause a baby eye infection. Thus, if you live in polluted areas, live near a construction site, in a loud building or expose your child to a lot of hectic things the reaction to that may be redness, tearing and a sticky infection around the eye.
If something like that is causing your child to experience infections, the only thing to do is avoid these situations. If the infection is mild you can simply use a cotton bud to cleanse the eye with lukewarm water. If that has no soothing effect you may need to visit your doctor.
No matter what causes the infection, it is important that you find out what it is before you treat it. Using drops, tinctures or other remedies without knowing what triggered the baby eye infection will most probably harm your child even more.