One of the things that worry parents the most during a newborn baby's adaptation to the world is discharge and crusts in the eyes. Especially when you wake up in the morning, eyelashes sticking together is the most obvious sign of eye problems in babies.
What Causes Eye Circles in Babies?
Eye drooping in babies is usually caused by the tear ducts not being fully opened, duct blockage during birth, or bacterial infections due to external factors. If the baby's eye only has watering and a slight burr, this usually indicates a mechanical obstruction. However, if the burrs are accompanied by redness in the whites of the eyes, swelling and discomfort in the eyelids, a bacterial infection (conjunctivitis) may be present.
Symptoms of Tear Duct Blockage in Babies
Tear duct obstruction in babies; It manifests itself as excessive watering in the eyes, yellowish burrs that frequently accumulate on the eyelashes, and inflammatory fluid coming out when the root of the nose is pressed. Even though the baby is not crying, the accumulation of tears in the eyes and constant wetness in the eye springs are the clearest indicators that the canal is blocked.
How Should Eye Care and Cleaning Be Done at Home?
Cleaning of babies with eyelids should be done by gently wiping them from the eyelids outward with the help of boiled and warmed clean water and a sterile gauze. Using a separate swab for each eye is a critical rule to prevent the transfer of infection from one eye to the other.
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Wet a clean gauze with warm water
- Wipe the baby's eyes from the inner corner (root of the nose) to the temples in a single stroke.
- If there are dried burrs on the eyelashes, gently hold the wet cloth on them to soften them; Never try to remove it by rubbing
How to Perform Tear Duct Massage?
The most effective solution for burrs due to obstruction is the massage technique recommended by the doctor. The aim is to open the blockage in the canal with pressure by pressing lightly between the baby's eye spring and the root of the nose with the little finger and making a downward stroking movement. It is recommended to do this process 3-4 times a day, 10 repetitions each time. The success rate of massage applied regularly and correctly in the first year of life is over 90%.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If the burr in the baby's eyes is accompanied by severe redness, edema in the eyelids, extreme sensitivity to light or fever, an ophthalmologist should be consulted without delay. Additionally, in cases of eye watering that does not respond to regular massage and continues to water despite reaching the age of 1, a simple surgical procedure called probing may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it beneficial to drop breast milk into the baby's eyes?
No. Attempting to wipe with non-sterile liquids such as breast milk or tea may increase bacterial growth due to the sugar content. Only warm, boiled water and sterile gauze should be used.
Does tear duct blockage go away on its own?
Yes, in most cases it resolves itself with massage within the first year. The success rate of the massage is over 90%. If it does not improve, probing may be applied.
When is surgery needed?
Probing (a simple surgical procedure) is recommended in cases that do not respond to regular massage despite reaching the age of 1 year.
