Health

3 Common Infants' Eye Problems

Most eye problems are no big deal, but here's what to watch for

By Babytalk

From crusting to redness, baby peeper problems can plague nervous new parents. Fortunately, most are no big deal. Here's what to watch for:  

Clogged tear ducts 
It's common for newborn tear ducts to clog and for tears to overflow onto a baby's cheeks. The remedy: Apply a warm compress to the inner corner of the eye and massage it gently. If you see crusting when your baby wakes up, just wipe it away with a damp cotton ball. But if pus drainage and crusting last throughout the day, call your doctor.

Crossed eyes 
Many babies cross their eyes because the muscles that control them are still weak. However, if your child is 4 months old or older and frequently cross-eyed, or if it occurs at the same time each day or during the same activity, an eye exam is warranted.

Infection
If the whites of one or both of your tot's eyes are very red, and perhaps crusty or draining pus, he may have conjunctivitis (pinkeye), a contagious bacterial infection. Call the doctor ASAP. A prescription topical ointment usually relieves it in just a couple of days.



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