#asktheexpert my baby is 6 months old and he has watery eyes till now what can I do

Question

Accepted Answer

If your 6-month-old baby has watery eyes, it can be due to several reasons. Here are a few common causes and what you can do to help:

Possible Causes:

1. Blocked Tear Ducts: This is a common issue in infants. A blocked tear duct can cause tears to accumulate and lead to watery eyes.

2. Allergies: While less common at this age, allergies can cause watery eyes, especially if your baby is exposed to certain allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander.

3. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): If the watery eyes are accompanied by redness, swelling, or a sticky discharge, your baby might have conjunctivitis, which can be viral or bacterial.

4. Dry Air or Irritants: Environmental factors like dry air, dust, or smoke can irritate your baby’s eyes and cause them to water.

5. Teething: In some cases, teething can lead to watery eyes, although this is less common and tends to resolve once the tooth comes through.

What You Can Do:

1. Massage the Tear Ducts: If your baby’s watery eyes are due to a blocked tear duct, you can gently massage the corner of the eye near the nose (where the duct is located). Use a clean finger and apply light pressure in a downward motion. You can also use a warm, damp cloth to clean around the eyes. Be gentle, as the area around the eyes is sensitive.

2. Keep Eyes Clean: Wipe away any excess tears or discharge using a clean, soft cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water. Make sure to clean from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner to prevent any potential infection.

3. Monitor for Other Symptoms: If your baby also has red eyes, a yellow or green discharge, or is fussy, it could be a sign of conjunctivitis. In that case, you should visit a pediatrician, as they may recommend an appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis).

4. Humidifier: If dry air is causing the watery eyes, you can use a humidifier in your baby’s room to maintain proper moisture levels in the air, especially during dry or winter months.

5. Avoid Irritants: Keep your baby’s environment free of irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, or dust that could be causing the watery eyes.

6. Check for Allergies: If you suspect allergies, try to identify any triggers and reduce exposure. In some cases, the pediatrician might recommend allergy medication, although this is not always given to babies at this age.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If the watery eyes persist beyond a few days.

If there is yellow or green discharge, or redness in the eyes, which could indicate an infection like conjunctivitis.

If your baby seems uncomfortable, fussy, or is showing other signs of illness, a pediatrician may need to evaluate the cause of the watery eyes.

It’s always best to consult your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation if you're concerned or if the symptoms persist.