As a new parent, seeing your baby experience discomfort can be distressing, especially when it comes to something like pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common condition that causes redness and irritation in the eyes. While pink eye can affect anyone, newborns are particularly susceptible to this eye condition, which can arise from a variety of causes. The good news is that with the right care, most cases are treatable and won’t cause long-term issues.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, occurs when the thin layer of tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva) becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes the eye to become red and swollen and often produces discharge.
Exposure to newborns
In newborns, pink eye can develop shortly after birth due to exposure to bacteria, irritation or even a blocked tear duct. Pink eye is typically not serious, but it’s important to address it quickly to avoid complications and ensure your baby’s comfort.
Symptoms of pink eye
Pink eye presents with several noticeable symptoms. Here’s what to watch for in your baby.
- Red or pink eyes: The whites of your baby’s eyes may appear red or pink due to swollen blood vessels in the conjunctiva.
- Discharge: This may present as yellowish or greenish mucus. The discharge can cause your baby’s eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.
- Swollen or puffy eyelids: Your baby’s eyelids may become swollen or inflamed.
- Excessive tearing: Babies with pink eye often have watery eyes. This may be a sign of infection or inflammation.
- Sensitivity to light: A newborn with pink eye may squint or turn their head away from bright lights due to discomfort.
Treatment for pink eye in newborns
Treatment for pink eye in newborns depends on the underlying cause.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis:
- If your baby’s pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will likely be prescribed in the form of eye drops or ointment.
- Viral conjunctivitis:
- If a virus, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is the cause of pink eye, antiviral medications may be required. However, viral pink eye will resolve on its own in most cases.
- Blocked tear duct:
- If the pink eye is caused by a blocked tear duct, the condition often resolves naturally as the duct clears.
- Irritation or chemical exposure:
- If your baby’s pink eye is due to irritation during birth, gentle cleaning of the eyes with a damp cloth may be all that’s needed.
If you suspect your newborn has pink eye, it’s important to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.
Pink eye care tips:
Clean your baby’s eyes: Gently wipe away discharge with a clean, damp cloth. Be sure to use a separate cloth for each eye if both are affected.
Avoid touching the eyes: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your baby’s eyes to prevent the spread of infection.
When to consult a doctor vs. when to go to the emergency room
If you notice any signs of pink eye in your newborn, it’s important to know what steps to take next.
When to consult your pediatrician:
If you notice symptoms of pink eye, first contact your pediatrician. They can help determine the cause and provide guidance on the appropriate treatment. It’s especially important to consult your doctor if the symptoms don’t seem to improve with basic care after a few days.
When to go to the emergency room:
While pink eye is typically not an emergency, there are situations where you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of a serious infection: If your baby develops symptoms such as high fever, a lot of swelling around the eyes or difficulty seeing, this may indicate a more severe infection, and you should go to the emergency room immediately.
- If you suspect herpes simplex virus (HSV): If you notice blisters or sores around your baby’s eyes or mouth, these could be signs of an HSV infection, which requires urgent medical attention.
- Difficulty breathing: If your newborn seems to be having trouble breathing, or if there’s swelling around the eyes that’s affecting their ability to breathe, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Final thoughts
As a parent, pink eye in newborns can be scary, but in many cases, it is treatable with simple medications. By understanding the causes and symptoms, you can take appropriate action to manage the condition. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns, and don’t hesitate to seek immediate care if your baby exhibits signs of a serious infection.
While no one wants to envision their child in the hospital, no matter the age, parents can sleep soundly knowing a team of experts are close by. All NGMC’s emergency departments have pediatric-trained doctors, nurses and support staff on-site 24/7. Three of those emergency departments were the first in Georgia to be accredited as Pediatric Readiness Centers by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Should your child ever need to be admitted for further observations, NGMC Gainesville has a dedicated pediatric unit in Gainesville.
