Swollen eyes in infants is an indication of eye discomfort or eye condition. This can be accompanied by tearing, redness or drainage. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if the child has swollen eyes or other symptoms.
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Common causes of swollen eyes among infants
Infection
An eye infection can cause swollen eyes specifically the eyelids among children. An infection might be due to a virus, bacteria or fungi.
- The viral forms of pink eye often arise with the common cold.
- Among newborns, as the baby moves via the birth canal, an infection in the mother might be passed on to the child.
- An obstruction in the tear duct, usually in the nasal corner of the eye might increase the risk for an eye infection.
Allergies
Environmental allergies including pollen might affect the child, resulting to swollen eyes along with other symptoms. Other allergens that can trigger the symptom include animal dander and cigarette smoke.
How is it managed?
The doctor might prescribe a medication to manage the eye infection or deal with the allergy symptoms. Oral medications or drops usually take time to work, thus the doctor might suggest applying a moist, cool washcloth on the closed eyes of the child to lessen the swelling.
In case the swelling does not reduce with the application of a cool compress or after giving medications, an anti-inflammatory medication might be prescribed by the doctor.
If the cause of swollen eyes is a blocked tear duct, the area of blockage should be massaged to loosen the tissue or matter that clogs up the duct or the doctor might perform a procedure to clear the canal.
Always bear in mind that a doctor should be consulted at the initial sign of an eye problem. Aside from swollen eyes, other symptoms that might be present include redness and drainage. If left untreated, an infection or allergic reaction can impair the tissues on the eye surface of the child, resulting to scarring that can damage the vision permanently.