As a new mom, seeing your little one with redness around their eyes (also known as eye redness or bloodshot eyes) can be quite alarming. Here’s some information to help you understand the possible causes and what you can do:
Causes of Red Eyes in Babies:
There are several reasons why a baby might have red eyes:
- Blocked tear duct: This is a common issue in newborns. A blocked tear duct can cause tears to pool in the corner of the eye, leading to redness and irritation.
- Irritants: Smoke, dust, perfumes, soaps, or even harsh weather conditions can irritate your baby’s delicate eyes, causing redness and itchy eyes.
- Allergies: Just like adults, babies can develop allergies that trigger eye redness, itchy eyes, and even eyelid redness. Common allergens include dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): This is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Pink eye in infants can be viral or bacterial. Viral conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by a cold, while bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thick, pus-like discharge.
- Stye: A stye is a small, red bump on the eyelid caused by a clogged oil gland. It can be quite sore but usually resolves on its own.
What to Do:
- Observe: If the redness is mild and there’s no discharge, you can observe your baby for a day or two.
- Warm compresses: For a blocked tear duct or general irritation, applying warm compresses to your baby’s closed eyes can help soothe the area. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out so it’s not dripping, and hold it gently over your baby’s closed eyelids for a few minutes at a time. Repeat this process several times a day.
- Saline drops: Saline eye drops can help flush out irritants and keep the eyes moist. Look for preservative-free saline drops specifically designed for babies. Squirt one or two drops into the affected eye while holding your baby’s eyelid open gently. You can repeat this a few times a day as needed.
- Reduce allergens: If you suspect allergies, try to identify and eliminate potential triggers from your baby’s environment. This may involve using allergy-proof bedding covers, washing stuffed animals regularly, or keeping pets out of the nursery.
When to Call the Doctor:
- If the redness is severe or accompanied by:
- Itchy eyes
- Eye discharge (especially thick, yellow or green discharge)
- Swollen eyes
- Fever
- Sensitivity to light
- If you suspect a sty and it doesn’t improve within a few days, or if it seems to be getting bigger or more painful.
Products to Help Soothe Eye Irritation:
- Look for fragrance-free baby wipes and soaps to avoid irritation on your baby’s delicate skin. These can help prevent irritation that might lead to eye rubbing and redness.
- Consider a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during dry winter months. Dry air can irritate your baby’s eyes and worsen redness.
- There are saline eye drops specifically designed for babies (check with your pediatrician for recommendations). These can be helpful for flushing out irritants and keeping your baby’s eyes moist.
Conclusion:
Remember, redness around the eyes in babies can be caused by various factors, ranging from minor irritations to infections. By understanding the different causes and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can help keep your little one’s eyes healthy and comfortable.Has your baby ever experienced eye redness? What did you find helpful in soothing the irritation? Let us know in the comments below! Sharing your experiences can help other moms going through the same thing.
