The Causes of Weeping Eye in Babies?

When a baby's eyes produce a sticky, yellowish discharge, they are considered to be weeping. Weeping eyes sometimes produce tears despite the absence of crying, as well. Weeping eyes are commonly seen in newborns for the first few weeks or months of life, notes pediatrician and University of California-Irvine School of Medicine associate clinical professor of pediatrics Dr. William Sears on his website AskDrSears.com.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Blocked tear ducts are the most common cause of weeping eyes in babies, particularly newborns, according to AskDrSears.com. Tear ducts should drain through the nasal passages, but newborns have a thin membrane sealing off the natural drainage system. This membrane usually breaks open shortly after birth. However, when it doesn't, the fluid that doesn't drain eventually becomes infected, and weeping eyes result. Tears may also accumulate and dry out in the eyes, leaving yellowish clumps.

A warm compress loosens the secretion, and parents can carefully wipe accumulation away with a clean, damp washcloth, according to Dr. Spock. Tear ducts are often opened with consistent, gentle massage of the area around the small bump located at the top sides of the nose beneath the eyes, according to AskDrSears.com. Rub away from the eyes, up toward the nose. Dr. Spock points out that in some cases, a minor surgical procedure is necessary to open the tear ducts.

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Conjunctivitis

Weeping eyes are a symptom of conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pinkeye, states AskDrSears.com. The condition is most notable for producing a reddish tint in the whites of the eyes and on the upper and/or lower rims of eyelids.

Conjunctivitis results from viral infections, bacterial infections such as staphylococcus, streptococcus or hemophilus, or from inflammation from an allergen, notes the medical advisory board-reviewed website BabyCenter. A baby's pediatrician must determine the underlying cause and base treatment on the diagnosis. Viral infections resolve on their own, but parents should keep a baby's eyes clean with a damp washcloth. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with a course of topical or eye drop antibiotics. Allergic conjunctivitis requires identifying the irritant and isolating the baby from it.

Sinusitis

Sinus infections sometimes cause weeping eyes in a baby. Viral infections like the common cold cause sinusitis--an inflammation of the sinuses--as do bacterial infections in sinus cavities, explains pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene of DrGreene.com. In young children, other symptoms are generally akin to those of a prolonged cold, sometimes coupled with a chronic cough, states DrGreene.com.

Bacterial sinusitis calls for a regimen of oral antibiotics. Symptoms can be eased and treatment accelerated with use of a saline nose spray or drops. A baby's pediatrician may also recommend decongestants to remedy symptoms.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/231185-what-are-the-causes-of-weeping-eye-in-babies/#ixzz1wV6Lbekw