'Infant Sticky Eye' 

Blocked Tear Duct

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How to Treat and Prevent an Infant Sticky Eye?

Normal Presentation​

• It is a common condition in newborns due to a blocked tear duck. 

• It is common if the babies white's of the eye remain clear of any redness.

First Line of Treatment at home​

• Wash your hands before and after treatment. 

• Clean your baby’s eyes regularly with cooled boiled  water and cotton wool. 

• Use a separate cotton wool ball each time you wipe  the eye, wiping from the corner by the nose outwards. 

• If the cause is a blocked tear duct, it may help if you  massage the tear duct every few hours using gentle  pressure on the outside of the nose, near the corner  of the eye. 

​When to seek medical advice​

• If the sticky eye does not improve with the simple measures advised above within a week.

• if the white's of the eyes become red or become swollen.

• If your baby is younger then 4 months

Please book a review with the Local Health Visitor GP. This could be a signed of infection Conjuntivitious.

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If the baby's tear duct is till blocked by 12 months of age, see the Local GP who may refer to a Pediatric Eye Specialist

DHD Reviewed 2021 National Health Service NHS. National Health Service Choices  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis/