Eye pain in babies is a condition that should not be underestimated, because not only makes the baby uncomfortable and fussy, eye pain is also at risk of disturbing his vision. Know anythingtypes of eye pain that can afflict babies, along with the signs and how to handle them.
There are various eye diseases that can be experienced by babies. Some can heal on their own, some require medication or treatment from a doctor.
Common Types of Eye Pain in Babies
Here are 3 types of eye diseases that can be experienced by babies and their treatment options:
1. Cross Eyes (strabismus)
Squint is a condition when the eyes are not aligned. This is caused by a disturbance in the muscles that move the eyeball. In some babies, crossed eyes usually return to normal with age.
However, if until the age of more than 4 months the position of the eyes still looks misaligned, this condition needs to get an examination and treatment from a doctor. Handling of crossed eyes in infants and children can be in the form of eye patch, special glasses, or surgery.
2. Clogged tear ducts
Blockage of the tear glands is an eye disease that is quite often experienced by infants. This condition occurs because the baby's tear ducts are not fully developed. Some complaints and symptoms that can appear are red eyes, swelling, and thick discharge from the corners of the eyes.
This condition generally improves as the baby's tear ducts develop. One treatment that can be done is to gently massage both sides of the baby's nose downwards towards the corner of the nose. This massage can be done 5-10 times a day.
However, if this condition persists, the baby's eyes look red, and the baby seems to have difficulty opening his eyes, immediately take him to the doctor for treatment.
3. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva or the membrane that lines the surface of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. This condition is quite common in babies. The causes are quite diverse, ranging from irritation to the eyes, allergies, to infections.
Symptoms that can appear when a baby has this condition are the appearance of red, swollen, watery, and teary eyes. Babies will also usually rub their eyes more often because they feel uncomfortable.
Treatment for conjunctivitis will depend on the cause. However, to reduce discomfort, you can compress the baby's eyes with a warm compress and clean the discharge around his eyes with gauze or a clean cloth. Don't forget to always wash your hands before and after touching your baby's eyes.
In addition, there are some eye diseases in infants that are congenital or congenital. Examples include congenital glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Danger sign Baby Eye Disease
The following are signs that you need to watch out for and see a doctor immediately:
- The eye position is misaligned or the baby's eyes do not move normally until 4 months of age. For example, one eyeball moves while the other doesn't, or one eyeball looks in a different direction when the other is moving.
- White dots appear in the baby's eyes, especially when photographed using a camera with flash.
- The baby's eyes look cloudy, white, gray, or yellow.
- One of the baby's eyeballs appears larger or protruding.
- The baby's eyelids can't lift and look limp.
If the baby has complaints and symptoms as described above, immediately consult a doctor, so that the eye disease experienced by the baby can be treated immediately before it causes complications.
