STICKY EYES

‘Sticky eyes’ often occur in newborn babies, usually while their tear ducts are developing.

Sticky eyes present with white sticky mucous in the corner of one or both eyes, eyelashes may stick together.

Sticky eyes usually clear up on their own after a few days.

Clean your baby’s eyes regularly using cotton wool and cool boiled water, wiping the eye once from the corner of the nose outwards, then disposing of the cotton wool.

 

Conjunctivitis

If your baby’s eyes appear sticky with yellowy or green sticky mucous which appears often even after cleaning, seek medical advice as this may be due to an eye infection called conjunctivitis which may require an eye antibiotic.

Should this be the case it is important to ensure good hand washing following cleaning your baby’s eyes.

Ensure your baby has their own separate towel to the other household members to prevent spread of infection.