Yellow or white eye discharge in babies, often called 'sticky eyes', is commonly caused by narrow or blocked tear ducts that are still developing.
Having yellow or white discharge in the eyes, known as 'sticky eyes', is a common occurrence in newborns and small babies.
What Causes Sticky Eyes in Babies?
According to information on the topic, the primary reason for this discharge is narrow or blocked tear ducts.
- Developing Tear Ducts: This blockage often happens in newborn babies while their tear ducts are still developing. The ducts are responsible for draining tears from the surface of the eye into the nose. If they are narrow or not fully open, tears and mucus can build up, leading to discharge.
While seeing discharge can be concerning, it's a very common issue in the first few months of life as the baby's drainage system matures.
Understanding Baby Eye Discharge
Here's a breakdown of key points regarding this common condition:
- Appearance: The discharge is typically yellow or white and can make the eyelids look 'sticky', especially after sleep.
- Timing: It is most frequently seen in newborns and very young infants.
- Mechanism: Tears and mucus cannot drain properly through the underdeveloped or blocked ducts, causing them to back up and appear as discharge.
This developmental phase in tear duct formation is a frequent reason for the discharge you might observe in your baby's eyes.
