Baby Eye Discharge & Conjunctivitis Guide: Causes, Home Care & When to See a Doctor

You wake up to find your baby's eyelids crusted shut with yellow gunk. Alarming? Absolutely. But baby eye discharge is one of the most common concerns parents face in the first year. The causes range from a simple blocked tear duct to bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis. In this guide, we will explain the five main causes, how to tell them apart, safe home care techniques including tear duct massage, and the clear signs that mean it is time to see a doctor.

5 Common Causes of Baby Eye Discharge

Baby eye discharge can stem from five main causes. Since each requires a different approach, knowing which one you are dealing with is the essential first step.

1. Blocked tear duct(congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction)

• The most common cause, affecting about 5 to 6% of newborns
• A thin membrane remains at the end of the nasolacrimal duct (the channel that drains tears into the nose), preventing tears from draining properly
• Tears pool in one or both eyes, and white to light yellow sticky discharge accumulates
• Notably, there is little to no redness or swelling of the eye itself
• Approximately 90% resolve on their own by 12 months of age

2. Bacterial conjunctivitis

• An eye infection caused by bacteria
• Produces thick yellow to green pus-like discharge
• The eyelids may be swollen, and the whites of the eyes appear red
• Often starts in one eye and spreads to the other
• Requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment

3. Viral conjunctivitis

• An eye infection caused by a virus, often the same viruses that cause the common cold
• Produces clear, watery discharge
• Frequently accompanied by cold symptoms such as a runny nose and cough
• Usually affects both eyes
• Antibiotics are not effective; it resolves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks

4. Allergic conjunctivitis

• A reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
• Eyes are itchy, with excessive clear, watery tearing
• Both eyes are affected simultaneously
• The baby may try to rub their eyes, and sneezing or a runny nose may also be present
• Removing the allergen source is the most important step

5. Chemical irritation(at birth)

• A temporary reaction to antibiotic eye drops given at birth to prevent infection
• Appears within 24 to 48 hours of birth and resolves within 2 to 4 days
• No treatment is needed

How to Tell the Difference

Cause	Discharge color/type	Redness	Swelling	Other symptoms	Timing
Blocked tear duct	White to light yellow, sticky	None or minimal	None	Watery/pooling tears	From ~2 weeks old
Bacterial conjunctivitis	Thick yellow to green, pus-like	Significant	Eyelid swelling	Lids stuck shut	Any time
Viral conjunctivitis	Clear, watery	Present	Mild	Cold, runny nose, cough	With a cold
Allergic conjunctivitis	Clear, watery tears	Present	Mild	Itchiness, sneezing	Allergy season
Chemical irritation	Clear discharge	Mild	Mild	None	24-48 hrs after birth

💡 Discharge color is your most important clue. White to light yellow with no redness suggests a blocked tear duct. Thick yellow-green pus points to bacterial conjunctivitis. Clear and watery likely means viral or allergic.

Home Care for Baby Eye Discharge

Regardless of the cause, keeping your baby's eyes clean is the foundation of care. Here is how to do it safely.

Cleaning the eyes (basic care)

• Soak a clean gauze pad or cotton ball in warm water (boiled and cooled)
• Gently wipe from the inside corner (near the nose) toward the outside corner (toward the ear)
• Use each gauze pad or cotton ball only once, then discard it
• Use a fresh one for each eye to prevent cross-contamination
• Clean 2 to 4 times daily, or whenever discharge is visible

Warm compress

• Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it gently over the affected eye for 1 to 2 minutes
• This softens crusted discharge, making it easier to remove
• Apply 2 to 3 times per day

Tear duct massage (Crigler massage)

If a blocked tear duct is the cause, massage is the most effective way to encourage it to open naturally.

How to perform the massage

• Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure your fingernails are short
• Place your index finger at the inner corner of your baby's eye, where the nose meets the eye
• Apply gentle but firm downward pressure, stroking toward the nose
• Repeat about 10 times per session
• Perform 2 to 3 times daily (before feedings is ideal, as baby is calm)
• When done correctly, you may see trapped fluid release from the eye — this is a good sign

💡 It is best to learn the tear duct massage technique from your pediatrician or ophthalmologist before doing it at home. The area around the eye is sensitive, so avoid pressing too hard.

When to See a Doctor

Most baby eye discharge can be managed at home, but the following situations require prompt medical attention.

See a doctor immediately if:

• The eyelid is significantly swollen and red
• Thick green or yellow pus is continuously draining
• Your baby has a fever above 38 degrees C (100.4 degrees F)
• The skin around the eye is red and swollen (possible periorbital cellulitis)
• Your baby cannot open their eye
• Any eye discharge in a newborn under 4 weeks old

Schedule a pediatrician or ophthalmologist visit if:

• Home care does not improve symptoms within 2 to 3 days
• Eye discharge keeps recurring
• A blocked tear duct has not resolved by 12 months of age
• Tearing is excessive in only one eye
• Your baby appears sensitive to light

⚠️ Eye discharge in a newborn under 4 weeks old may be caused by gonococcal or chlamydial infection, which requires immediate medical treatment. Discharge that begins 2 to 14 days after birth is especially urgent.

Treatment by Cause

Blocked tear duct

• First line: Tear duct massage + eye hygiene (most resolve naturally by 12 months)
• Second line: If still blocked after 12 months, nasolacrimal duct probing may be performed. A thin probe is inserted through the tear duct to break through the membrane. Success rate is approximately 90%
• Third line: If probing fails, silicone tube insertion or surgical intervention

Bacterial conjunctivitis

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by a doctor (typically used for 5 to 7 days)
• Never use eye drops without a doctor's prescription
• Improvement usually begins 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment

Viral conjunctivitis

• No specific medication; resolves on its own within 1 to 2 weeks
• Manage with eye hygiene and warm compresses for comfort
• Treat accompanying cold symptoms as needed
• Highly contagious — avoid sharing towels and washcloths within the family

Allergic conjunctivitis

• Removing the allergen is the top priority
• Cool compresses can relieve itchiness
• Antihistamine eye drops may be prescribed in severe cases

Prevention Tips

Daily hygiene

• Change your baby's face cloth daily
• Always wash your hands before touching your baby's eyes
• Teach older siblings to wash their hands regularly
• Do not share towels or pillowcases with a child who has conjunctivitis

Environmental care

• Ventilate your home regularly
• Reduce dust and allergen exposure
• Keep the area around your baby's sleeping space clean if you have pets
• Maintain indoor humidity between 40 and 60% when using air conditioning or heaters

Track Eye Health with BebeSnap

Record changes in your baby's eye condition and provide your doctor with accurate information at visits.

• Health Log: Track the color, amount, and frequency of eye discharge by date so you can give your doctor a clear timeline at appointments
• AI Parenting Chatbot: Worried about your baby's eye discharge? Ask the AI chatbot for a quick check on whether a doctor visit is needed
• Feeding & Sleep Records: Keep a comprehensive picture of your baby's overall health

👉 BebeSnap AI Chatbot Guide

FAQ

Q: My baby has yellow eye discharge. Do I need to see a doctor?
A: If the discharge is light yellow and there is no redness or swelling, it is likely a blocked tear duct. Try tear duct massage and gentle cleaning. However, if the discharge is thick yellow-green and pus-like, this suggests bacterial conjunctivitis and warrants a visit to the pediatrician.

Q: When should I start tear duct massage, and how long should I do it?
A: Start after your pediatrician confirms a blocked tear duct diagnosis. Perform the massage 2 to 3 times daily, ideally before feedings when your baby is calm. Most blocked ducts open on their own within 6 to 12 months with consistent massage. Ask your pediatrician or ophthalmologist to demonstrate the technique first.

Q: Is conjunctivitis contagious to other children?
A: Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious. Viral conjunctivitis can be spread for up to 2 weeks. Avoid sharing towels and pillows, and wash hands thoroughly after touching the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis and blocked tear ducts are not contagious.

Q: Can I put breast milk in my baby's eye to treat discharge?
A: While breast milk contains antibodies and is a popular home remedy in some cultures, it is not a medically proven treatment. There is a risk of introducing secondary infection. The safest approach is cleaning with warm water and following your doctor's prescribed treatment.

Q: What happens if a blocked tear duct does not open by 12 months?
A: Your pediatric ophthalmologist can perform nasolacrimal duct probing. A thin probe is passed through the tear duct to puncture the membrane blocking it. The success rate is about 90%. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and takes only 5 to 10 minutes.

References

• CDC - Pink Eye in Newborns
• National Eye Institute - Pink Eye in Newborns
• StatPearls - Crigler Technique for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
• Medical News Today - Newborn Eye Discharge
• WebMD - Is My Baby's Eye Discharge Normal?