You may observe a green or yellow discharge from your eyes on some days after waking up in the morning. The condition is defined as goopy eyes, or simply called eye discharge. The discharge could either have a liquid-like or a crusty consistency. Although eye discharge isn’t serious, it often acts as a signal of the presence of an infection. It is important to seek medical help, especially if your little ones are suffering from it. Delaying consultation could run the risk of complications such as conjunctivitis, dry eyes, blocked tear duct and corneal ulcer.
Causes of goopy eyes in children:
There are several eye conditions that produce eye discharge as signs of a primary symptom in children. Some of these eye conditions include:
- Conjunctivitis
It’s common for both adults and children to experience eye discharge as a symptom of conjunctivitis. There are two types of conjunctivitis; bacterial and viral, the former generates a sticky and thick discharge, whereas the latter causes a watery discharge.
In most cases, eye discharge occurs in conjunction with other symptoms of the eye condition, including a burning sensation in the eyes, itchiness, and bloodshot appearances.
- Blocked tear duct
The blocked tear duct is another eye condition causing eye discharge as a symptom in children. In most cases, the tear ducts do not develop fully. As such, tears do not drain as they normally should.
Tumour growth anywhere in the tear drainage system can lead to a blockage. Another reason for the tear duct to face obstruction is scarring of the drainage system. Inflammation of the tear drainage system could also lead to tear duct blockage.
- Gonorrhoea
Infants who contract gonorrhoea from their mothers can develop eye discharges. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If left untreated, the infection can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Treatment of goopy eyes
In order to treat eye discharge in children, it is important to address the underlying cause with a suitable chart of treatment. Eye infection is the most common cause of eye discharge in children. One of the pediatric eye care specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals can guide you in getting a thorough diagnosis of the eye infection, and prescribe necessary medicines such as ointments, antiviral eye drops and antibiotics. In case of an eye allergy, the doctor may prescribe decongestants and antihistamine eye drops.
Here are some simple solutions to follow at home if eye discharges are found in children:
- If your child’s eyelids are stuck together, gently wipe the discharge with a warm compress
- In the case of conjunctivitis, instruct your child to avoid touching the infected eye
- If your child has an eye allergy, make sure to keep the irritable elements away.
- Avoid giving over the counter (OTC) eye medicines that are not prescribed by an eye doctor
Visit Disha Eye Hospitals for quality eye care
Disha Eye Hospitals offer advanced diagnostics and treatment for different types of eye complications. As a leading eye hospital group, the team of doctors consists of the best retina specialists in Kolkata. Additionally, the hospital offers treatment for paediatric eye conditions like squint. Consult one of the best eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha and get your child’s symptoms checked at your closest centre. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.