Eye Drainage

Drainage from your child’s eyes may be caused by infection, allergy, irritation, or tear duct blockage. Drainage from the eyes during baby’s first few months is usually because of blocked tear ducts or irritation. If the discharge lasts for more than two or three days despite use of warm compresses and massaging the tear ducts, make an appointment with your pediatrician.

As children get older, drainage from the eyes also can represent an allergy. You might notice your child often has a runny nose and itchy, watery, reddened eyes. Treatment consists of eliminating the allergy substance (dust, feathers, pets) and using over-the‑counter antihistamines.

Most eye drainage clears up without specific treatment. However, there are certain times when you should call the pediatrician’s office for advice, or to make an appointment, if routine home treatment does not work in two to three days.

Any injury to the eye area should be examined by a pediatrician.

Call the pediatrician’s office if your child has
any of the following symptoms associated with eye drainage:

• swelling and redness of the eyes and eyelids lasting more than 24 hours.
• discoloration of the eyelids.
• heavy green eye discharge.
• decreased or blurred vision.
• bloody tears.
• inability to move an eye.
• persistent pain.
• unusual sensitivity to light.

Contagious eye infections – Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis and pink eye are highly contagious. Encourage children to wash their hands before and after touching the infected eye. Don’t let the tip of an eyedropper or ointment tube touch the area. If your child is diagnosed with discharging conjunctivitis or pink eye, keep them home from school or childcare until 24 hours after the treatment is started. Launder the child’s towel and washcloth after each use.

Sty – A sty is a very common problem in childhood. It is a small tender red swelling on the edge of an eyelid. Never squeeze a sty. A warm water compress applied for 15 minutes four times a day can help. It is not contagious, but it may become infected. If it becomes enlarged, very red, or uncomfortable, the pediatrician should examine it to determine if an antibiotic is needed.