Do you have a baby with watery eyes? If so, you’re not alone. Watery eyes in babies are a fairly common problem, but it can be frustrating when your baby is constantly uncomfortable, and you don’t know what to do about it. This post will discuss the causes of watery eyes in babies and some treatment options that may help. We have also shared some tips for making your baby more comfortable. Keep reading for more information!
Several things can cause watery eyes in infants, but the most common cause is blocked tear ducts. These often resolve on their own, but in the meantime, you can help your child by gently cleaning their tears away and using warm compresses to help unblock the ducts.
Other causes of watery eyes in infants and toddlers include allergies or infections like conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye or even the common cold. Your child may experience watery eyes from irritants or hay fever. However, if your child’s watery eyes are accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, redness, or pain, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out any severe conditions.
Blocked duct
A blocked tear duct is a condition that occurs when tears cannot move from the corners of the eyelids into the tear ducts lining the nose. This can cause tears to back up in the eye, which can be irritating and cause watery eyes. Blocked tear ducts are very common in infants, with one-third of them experiencing the condition at some point.
The condition usually resolves itself within a year, but in some cases, it may persist into childhood or adulthood. Treatment options are available for persistent cases of blocked tear ducts. However, in most cases, no treatment is necessary, and the condition will improve independently.
Less common causes of blocked tear ducts include:
- nasal polyps
- cyst or tumour
- trauma to the eye
Some other symptoms of a blocked tear duct include:
- pus in the eye
- crusting eyelids and eyelashes
It’s essential to visit a paediatrician if you suspect this condition in your infant.
Allergy
Allergies are common in young children. The most common symptoms of allergies include red, watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy or runny nose.Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever may also cause watery eyes. Other symptoms of this condition include:
- sneezing
- runny and itchy nose
- nasal congestion and postnasal drip
- congestion
- ear canal pressure or pain
Common cold
A common cold can also cause watering eyes. Babies are more prone to the common cold than adults, as they haven’t established immunity, and they often touch their noses, mouths, and eyes, spreading germs. Your baby may also develop other cold symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, a decreased appetite or fever, and a runny or stuffy nose.
Infections
Conjunctivitis, pink eye, is an infection caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection that can occur in children. Pink eye can also be caused by irritation. Symptoms of this condition include redness, itching, tearing of the eyes and swollen eyes. It can also lead to a discharge of pus or crusting around the eyes. Newborns are especially at risk if they develop pink eye and it goes untreated for too long.
Infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea can pass on to a newborn from the mother during childbirth. So if you notice your child with pink eye, it is essential to see a doctor right away. The pink eye usually clears up with proper treatment within a week or two. But if left untreated, the infection can lead to severe complications, such as blindness. So if your child’s eyes are red and watery, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
If your child shows any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment. In many cases, allergies can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medications. However, severe allergies may require more aggressive treatment, such as immunotherapy. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most children with allergies can lead healthy and active lives.
Home remedies
- Watery eyes are a common occurrence in babies, and there are a number of home remedies that can help to reduce the symptoms. One simple solution is to clean the baby’s face with a warm, damp cloth. This will help to remove any foreign particles from the eye area.
- Another popular remedy is to use slices of cooled cucumber or potato, which can help to soothe irritated eyes. If the watery eyes are caused by allergies, then applying a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of the baby’s nose can help to trap pollen and other irritants.
- Massaging the outside of your child’s nose (from the eye to the corner of the nose) by applying firm pressure with a clean index finger. This will help the tear duct to open.
- Watery eyes caused by colds can be cured by over-the-counter antihistamines for older children.
- Finally, if the problem persists, it is essential to consult a doctor, as watery eyes can occasionally signify a more severe condition. By following these simple tips, parents can quickly and easily treat watery eyes at home.
However, it’s always best to check with your doctor before giving your child any medication. Home remedies are a great way to treat many common ailments, and they can often provide relief when other methods fail.
In most cases, however, watery eyes in infants are nothing to worry about and will resolve on their own. If you’re worried about your child’s watery eyes, talk to a healthcare professional about the best way to treat them.
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