Reddening or tearing in the eyes may occur in infants, but is not always indicative of infection. The membranes that cover the eyes are highly sensitive in babies and become irritated when exposed to sunlight and wind. As a result, the eyes may be prone to infection.


There are different types of infant eye infection and the treatment for each differs.

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, which is the mucus membrane that shields the whites of the eyes. It can could result in redness and swelling.


There may could also be a great deal of tearing and, mucus discharge may also occur. This infection can be very discomforting for the child as it leads to itching, burning and irritation. The baby is likely to try and rub or scratch the eyes to relive the itching, and this only serves to aggravate the condition. Also, the bacteria and dirt from the hands may be transferred to the eyes, worsening the condition. Medical attention is advisable in case of pink eye as it is also contagious and can spread from one individual to another. Proper hygiene must be maintained by the parents for the baby and for themselves. In some cases, an eye infection may result from another underlying illness such as common cold or flu. Babies commonly experience eye infections when they catch a cold. There are some eye drops available to treat the condition; however it is advisable to consult a doctor so that more serious causes are ruled out. Babies may even be prone to allergic reactions to substance such as dust or pollen. Itching and redness of the eyes can also be triggered by such allergies. Allergies must be treated by a doctor.

In some cases, eye infections may arise from blockages in the tear duct. This may lead to stickiness and discharge from the eyes. Generally, this condition subsides as the infant grows older. Massaging the area surround the eye sometimes helps to ease the blockage. Pollution, smoke and stress may also contribute to eye infections in infants. As such, if the child lives in an area that is prone to pollution from vehicles or construction work, the child may develop eye infections. Also if the baby is exposed to a great deal of activity or sudden transition, the child may experience stress that can could trigger an eye infection. For mild infections, the eye may be cleansed using a cotton ball soaked in lukewarm water.