Eye pain in newborns is certainly very worrying. Appropriate steps in overcoming it is very important, this is to prevent these visual disturbances later.
Eye pain in newborns is known as neonatal conjunctivitis orophthalmia neonatorum. Generally, this type of eye pain is one of the most common in the first month since the baby is born. Generally, babies who have this infection appear to have eye discharge from the first day to two weeks after birth.
First One Month Age
Causes of eye pain in newborns include viral, bacterial, or chemical reactions. Several types of bacteria in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea found in the birth canal can infect babies during normal delivery. There is also the herpes virus which is often the cause of eye pain in newborns.
Eye pain in newborns is characterized by pain in the eyeball or pain when pressed, discharge from the eye, and the eyelid looks swollen. In rarer cases, there is inflammation of the cornea of the eye.
Some conditions that can increase the risk of eye pain in newborns include premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, or an increase in organisms in the vaginal canal during the last trimester of pregnancy.
How to overcome
To determine the cause and how to treat eye pain in newborns, the doctor will perform an examination. Such as taking and examining samples of eye discharge, whether caused by viruses, bacteria or other causes. In addition, there are also other examinations to see possible damage to the surface of the eyeball.
For eye pain in newborns due to giving eye drops at birth, generally the swelling symptoms will disappear by themselves.
Then if the eye pain is caused by a blocked tear duct, then a massage between the eye and nose area can help. This is mainly done before the administration of antibiotics. If this problem persists until the age of one year, the doctor will consider surgery.
Eye pain in newborns due to bacteria, can generally be treated with antibiotics or ointments. Antiviral eye drops or ointments can be given for herpes infections in infants.
Especially for eye pain in newborns due to gonorrhea bacteria, generally require antibiotics given through infusion or intravenous therapy. If not treated properly, this condition can result in injury to the cornea of the eye and even blindness. Meanwhile, eye pain in newborns due to chlamydia, will require oral antibiotics consumed by the baby.
If sticky eye fluid seems bothersome, parents can clean it using eye drops that contain saline (saline). In addition, also give warm water compresses to the eyes to reduce swelling and irritation,
Although breast milk (ASI) is often said to be able to overcome eye pain in newborns, it is recommended to consult with a doctor first. Breast milk which is generally dripped or added to other eye drops is believed to help treat eye pain caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies.
Don't take a newborn eye pain lightly, especially if it doesn't improve after a while or gets worse. Consult a doctor for appropriate and timely treatment.
