Sticky eyes in babies

Sticky or watery eyes in a baby are often caused by a tear duct that is still narrow or blocked, especially if the white of the eye is not red. Redness, swollen eyelids, a lot of pus, fever or signs of illness may indicate an infection. A red eye or pus from the eye in a newborn always needs prompt medical assessment.

• A constantly watery eye with white or yellow mucus and crusts, while the white of the eye is not red, often suggests a blocked tear duct.
• Redness of the white of the eye, yellow-green pus that quickly returns and swollen eyelids are more suggestive of conjunctivitis.
• Wash your hands before and after eye care, and use a new clean gauze or cotton pad for each wipe and each eye.
• Gently loosen crusts with clean lukewarm water and wipe from the inner corner outwards without rubbing the eye.
• Call the same day if the white of the eye is red, there is a lot of pus, the eyelids are swollen, the inner corner is red and painful, or the baby does not open the eye.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.