My wife, who was about to feed Nayul, came over to tell me that Nayul had eye boogers again. Although she occasionally moistens a tissue with saline to wipe away the tears, she expressed her concern about the persistent yellowish eye discharge in the right eye.
Concerned if there was any issue, we visited the pediatrician yesterday. The doctor said it didn’t seem to be a major problem and it would resolve over time. They also mentioned if the condition worsened to the point where Nayul couldn't open the eye, we should come back. Since the doctor reassured us, I looked into what we could do at home.
Newborn Eye Boogers
Eye boogers form when the tear duct inside the nose is too narrow, preventing tears from draining into the nose. This is commonly referred to as the tear duct. Normally, tears secreted from the tear gland flow through this duct into the nose. But when it’s blocked, tears accumulate in the eyes, leading to the formation of eye boogers.
What You Can Do at Home
Generally, when the tear duct is blocked or narrowed resulting in eye boogers, regularly wiping away the discharge and massaging the tear duct (often referred to as tear duct massage) can help.
Wiping Away Eye Boogers
If the discharge isn't dried, moisten a clean gauze or cotton swab with saline and gently wipe from the inner to the outer corner of the eye. Use a different side or a fresh swab for the other eye to avoid cross-contamination. If the discharge is dried, soften it by placing a warm, damp cloth over the eyelid, then gently wipe away. It's crucial not to force it as baby's skin is delicate and sensitive.
Eye Booger Massage
While researching the reasons behind eye boogers, I learned about the eye booger massage. My wife mentioned she had learned about it during a baby bath class at the postnatal care center (I wish she had told me earlier!). The tear duct is located near the inner corner and the lower eyelid. Gently press and massage from top to bottom with your finger. Since one session won't unblock the tear duct, it's advised to massage 2-3 times daily.
What Hospitals Can Do
If the problem is not just a blocked tear duct but conditions like conjunctivitis or nasolacrimal duct obstruction, appropriate medical intervention is required.
Even though eye boogers might seem harmless, it can be hard to distinguish between a problem and a non-issue just by appearance. If you consistently wipe and massage the area but the boogers persist or the condition seems to worsen, it's advisable to visit a pediatrician.
Recorded on May 7, 2023.