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My baby has a sticky eye

Sticky eyes are common in newborn babies while their tear ducts are developing.  You may see a sticky white or yellow discharge in the corner of one or both of your baby’s eyes, which may cause the eyelashes to stick together.  This is caused by a narrow or blocked tear ducts, which generally open up and begin draining normally within the first few months of life.

Sticky eyes are not the same as conjunctivitis; conjunctivitis affects the outer coating layer of the eye and inner surface of eyelids, which in babies may be caused by bacterial or viral infections that they may have picked up during or after birth. The signs of conjunctivitis include a yellow/green discharge and redness and swelling of the eye(s). If you notice this contact your GP as your baby may need antibiotic eye drops. Infection can be passed on easily, so wash your hands and use a separate towel for your baby.

Red

If your baby has any of the following:

  • Unable to open eye due to swelling
  • Severe pain and red eye
  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Has pauses in their breathing lasting more than 10 seconds, is grunting or has blue lips
  • Is stiff or rigid or makes repeated, jerky movements of arms or legs that doesn't stop when you hold them (a fit or seizure)
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

 

Amber

If your baby has any of the following:

  • Yellow/green discharge from one or both eyes
  • Redness of the whites of the eyes/around the eyes
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Worsening symptoms or if you are worried
  • Difficulty breathing, including breathing fast all of the time; widening their nostrils or pulling in of the muscles below the ribs when breathing
  • Not interested in feeding and/or looks dehydrated (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, drowsy, no wet nappies in the last 8 hours or sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head))
  • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them)

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

Green

If your baby has none of the above features:

  • It is normal for a baby to have sticky yellow or white discharge in the corner of one or both eyes and can cause the eyelashes to stick together. This can last for several months.

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. 

It normally clears up on its own, but you may have to clean your baby’s eyes regularly with damp cotton wool. Use clean, cooled boiled water and wipe each eye from the corner by the nose outwards. Use a clean piece of cotton wool for each wipe.  

Remember to wash your hands before and afterwards and avoid sharing towels.

If you are still concerned about your baby, speak to your health visitor, local pharmacist or call NHS 111– dial 111