Newborns may have eye conditions that result from the birthing process; your child's pediatrician will perform a basic eye examination to spot early signs. In many instances, an eye condition can appear a few days or weeks after birth, and since infants cannot communicate, new parents must watch for signs of a problem. Red eyelids can be one sign of a problem --- and knowing possible causes may help you know when to contact the pediatrician.
Infection
An infant born through natural childbirth can experience an infection that could cause redness of the eyelids. The infection may stem from a condition the mother has such as chlamydia or any type of bacteria or viral condition present in the birth canal. If you have a condition that could potentially infect your child, your doctor can treat your condition before you give birth to prevent passing the infection to your baby.
Eye infections caused by these conditions may also cause redness on the whites of the eyes, eyelid swelling and discharge.
Allergic Reaction
To reduce the chances of an eye infection, many states require the doctor present during childbirth to treat your newborn's eyes with drops shortly after birth, explain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although most doctors and hospitals recommend an antibiotic eye drop, some doctors may use silver nitrate, a drop commonly used in the past. If a newborn has an allergic reaction to the antibiotic or to the silver nitrate, she may have red eyelids and redness in the whites of her eyes. Eyelid swelling, tearing and discharge may also occur. The symptoms should gradually ease as the eye drop moves out of your newborn's system.
Blocked Tear Duct
A blocked tear duct may also cause your newborn's eyelids to turn red. A clear, properly functioning tear duct allows the tears to drain, but if the duct is malformed or has an obstruction, the tears will run down your child's cheeks.
If your child's pediatrician diagnoses a blocked tear duct, she will show you how to massage the area around the duct, a process often referred to as "milking." Performing the massage twice a day may help release the blockage and allow the tears to drain normally. In many instances, a blocked tear duct will resolve without treatment. However, defective ducts may require surgical treatment.
Considerations
Prior to giving birth, inform your doctor of any history of sexually transmitted diseases or other conditions that could infect your child. If you notice that your newborn has a red eyelid that worsens or appears swollen, irritated or accompanies other symptoms, contact your child's pediatrician for an evaluation.
