As a new parent, you watch for signs of discomfort or problems in your baby, and monitoring for eye problems makes up only a small part of the list of things you worry about. If your infant has drainage from her eyes this could indicate a serious condition that the pediatrician needs to promptly address to avoid complications. Knowing possible causes for the drainage and any crusting will help you talk with the doctor.
Infection
Newborns have a risk for eye infections, particularly if the infant passes through the birth canal. If a mother has chlamydia or other type of condition, even if she does not have symptoms at the time of childbirth, the bacteria or virus may infect the baby, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infant may have an eye infection from other sources as well, and this may include contact with a family member who has pinkeye.
An eye infection not only causes eye drainage and crusting on the lids but may also cause pain, itching and eyelid swelling. A pediatrician will prescribe eye drops to treat the infection.
Allergic Reaction
Shortly after birth your child will have an antibiotic eye drop administered in his eyes to help prevent an eye infection. Your child could have an allergic reaction to the medication or component of the drop and this may cause redness, tearing or discharge from his eyes. Your newborn may also react to pollens, cigarette smoke, pet dander or other allergens, resulting in these symptoms as well.
Blocked Tear Duct
Tear ducts, located in the corner of the eye nearest the nose, drain excess tears from the eye. A newborn may have a blockage such as a cyst or malformation in the duct, preventing the tears from draining properly. A method of massage called milking will often help clear the blockage. Your infant may experience an infection related to stagnant tears in the duct that cannot drain. This provides a breeding ground for bacteria which may lead to an eye infection and accompanying symptoms.
Considerations
If you notice that your infant has drainage or other signs of an eye condition, contact the pediatrician immediately. Infections, blocked ducts and other eye conditions often escalate quickly in newborns, and these eye problems may cause permanent damage to your baby's eyes.
To help clear the crusting on your child's eyelids, use a slightly warm, damp washcloth and hold this gently against your newborn's closed eyelids. This will loosen the matter and allow you to wipe it away.
