Infant red eye: what to know

Redness on the white of the eye can follow dust, rubbing, or another irritant. Conjunctivitis may cause redness with watery or sticky discharge, and it can affect one or both eyes. A blocked tear duct more often causes watering and crusting near the inner corner, with little redness of the eye itself. Allergy-related irritation tends to itch and may come with watery eyes, although allergies are less typical in very young infants. A red eye with marked pain, light sensitivity, eyelid swelling, or a cloudy-looking front surface needs medical review.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Wipe discharge with clean cotton or gauze moistened with cooled boiled water, using a fresh piece for each wipe and each eye. Do not share towels, pillows, or face cloths. Keep smoke and fragranced sprays away, and discourage rubbing. Do not use someone else's eye drops, old prescriptions, breast milk, or home remedies. If a chemical or visible object entered the eye, rinse with clean running water and seek urgent advice.

Seek emergency help for an eye injury, chemical exposure, severe swelling, a bulging eye, a cloudy cornea, unusual sleepiness, or breathing difficulty. Arrange same-day assessment for significant pain, light sensitivity, fever with an infant who seems unwell, eyelid redness spreading around the eye, or difficulty opening the eye. Contact a clinician if discharge persists, redness worsens, or your baby is feeding poorly. Newborn eye redness or discharge should be assessed promptly.

Does the discharge and redness fit conjunctivitis or a blocked tear duct? Does my infant need treatment, and how can I prevent spread at home? Which changes around the eyelid or eye should prompt urgent review?