On the other hand, eye pain or discharge that affects vision can be stressful for both the child and parents. If the discharge doesn't go away naturally, a doctor’s visit becomes necessary.
According to WebMD, here are the main causes of eye discharge in children and how to treat them.
Common Causes of Eye Discharge in Children
1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is a very common and contagious infection in young children. It causes redness, swelling, and discharge in the eyes, sometimes enough to glue the eyelids shut during sleep.
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Bacterial infections typically cause redness and yellow or green discharge.
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In some cases, viruses may also be the cause.
2. Blocked Tear Ducts
About 1 in 10 newborns has this condition. You may notice persistent watery eyes, even when the baby isn’t crying.
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Eyes may not be red or swollen at first, but the excess tears can lead to infections, resulting in hardened pus or discharge.
3. Foreign Object in the Eye
Particles like dust or sand trapped behind the eyelid can cause the eye to produce discharge as a defense response.
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If antibiotic eye drops don't help and the child (especially an older one) says they feel something in their eye, a foreign body might be the cause.
4. Dry Eyes
Tears are made of mucus, water, oil, and proteins. When there’s an imbalance, the child may develop dry eyes, prompting the body to produce “emergency tears”, often full of mucus—resulting in discharge.
5. Corneal Ulcers (Keratitis)
Severe dryness, trauma, or infection can cause small ulcers on the cornea, the clear lens covering the front of the eye. These can lead to pus and crusting.
6. Normal Eye Discharge
Mild discharge in the corner of the eyes is normal for infants and young children, especially upon waking.
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It may look moist, sticky, or crusty, often caused by mucus released during sleep or by touching their eyes with dirty hands.
How to Treat Eye Discharge in Infants and Young Children
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Mild discharge can often be managed at home with simple care:
🧼 Home care tips:
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Avoid irritants that may trigger allergic reactions.
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Gently wipe away discharge using a clean cloth or cotton pad.
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Apply a warm compress for infections, styes, or blocked tear ducts.
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Massage the eye area gently to help drain fluid caused by blockages or styes.
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Use child-safe eye ointment or artificial tears in cases of dryness.
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Encourage frequent hand washing, especially if an infection is present.
🩺 While home care may relieve symptoms, some infections require antibiotic drops or ointments prescribed by a pediatric eye doctor.
When to See a Doctor
Because young children cannot clearly express eye discomfort, it’s important to monitor for additional symptoms that may signal a more serious issue:
🚨 Seek medical advice if your child has:
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Redness
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Swelling
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Pain
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Frequent rubbing or touching of the eyes
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Difficulty opening or closing the eye
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Yellow or green discharge
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Very thick or excessive discharge
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Discharge lasting more than a few days
In such cases, consult an ophthalmologist, even if the symptoms seem mild. While many eye issues in children resolve on their own, persistent or severe cases require professional evaluation and treatment to avoid complications.
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