My 3 months always has a gooey, watery eye, is it infected?
A blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) is a common
finding in young infants. The symptoms usually appear late in the
newborn period as tear production begins. One or both sides can
be affected and this is often confused with an eye infection. Most
blocked tear ducts will open spontaneously by 9 months of age. If
your infant continues to have this problem after 9 months, a referral
to a pediatric ophthalmologist will be made for evaluation. Babies
with blocked tear ducts tend to get eye infections due to poor drainage
and may need an antibiotic eye drop intermittently.
Signs of a blocked tear duct:
- Continuous or intermittent watery eye(s)
- Tears overflow from the eyelid, even without crying
- Onset at about a month of age
- Eye is not red, swollen, tender
- Wakes with mucus (maybe light yellow or white) in eye that does
not return after wiping until the next nap/bedtime
- May have dryness or stuffiness in the nostril on the affected
side
Home Treatment:
- Gently wipe away dried secretion from eye(s) with moistened
cotton balls
- Massage the affected side 4 times a day - using your little
finger or Q-tip, gently stroke from the inner corner of the eye
towards the nose about 10 times to promote drainage in the duct
- Use saline nose drops in the nostril of the affected side if
stuffy and dry
Watch for signs of infection:
- Thick yellow drainage from eye(s) that returns within minutes
of wiping eye
- Redness or swelling of the eye(s) or eyelids
- Eye(s) matted with copious discharge after waking
Call our office if:
- You notice any signs of infection the eye(s)
- You think the problem is getting worse despite home treatment
- Your baby is older than 9 months
- You have other questions or concerns
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