Your baby having one eye closed most or all of the time is always a sign of a problem that requires attention.
Here's a breakdown of potential reasons:
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Pain or Discomfort: The baby may be experiencing pain in the eye, causing them to keep it closed as a protective mechanism.
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Bacterial Infection: An infection, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), can cause irritation, swelling, and discharge, leading the baby to keep the affected eye closed.
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Blurry Vision: If one eye has significantly poorer vision than the other, the baby might subconsciously close the weaker eye to improve overall visual clarity.
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Corneal Abrasion: A scratch on the surface of the eye (cornea) can be extremely painful and cause the baby to keep their eye closed.
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Congenital Ptosis: While less likely the cause of a new onset of eye closure, if the baby has had a droopy eyelid (ptosis) from birth, it might appear as if the eye is mostly closed. However, this would be apparent from birth, not a sudden occurrence.
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Foreign Object: A small object lodged in the eye can cause significant discomfort and lead to the baby keeping their eye closed.
What to Do:
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Avoid Self-Treating: Do not attempt to diagnose or treat the issue yourself. Avoid using over-the-counter eye drops or medications without consulting a doctor.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention: It is crucial to consult a pediatrician or ophthalmologist as soon as possible. They can properly diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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Observe for Other Symptoms: Pay attention to any other accompanying symptoms, such as redness, swelling, discharge, excessive tearing, or increased rubbing of the eyes. Share these observations with the doctor.
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Prevent Rubbing: Try to prevent the baby from rubbing their eyes, as this can worsen the condition and potentially cause further damage.
In summary, a baby keeping one eye closed is not normal and warrants prompt medical evaluation to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
