Baby Eye Conditions CT - Tearing and your baby

One of the most mesmerizing parts of a baby's face is those innocent eyes. Newborns and infants are constantly looking around and taking in the world surrounding them, as they fixate on everyday objects and people. But what do you do if you notice that your baby's eyes are tearing up frequently?

Babies may experience tearing for a variety of reasons. Although you should definitely make sure your child sees an ophthalmologist if he or she is having eye issues, knowing what to look for can help you determine the cause and extent of the problem. Babies can have blocked tear ducts, allergies, or infections such as pink eye. Typically with infections such as conjunctivitis, your baby will develop a crusty, gooey substance in the eyes which may require treatment by an ophthalmologist. At the other end of the spectrum, you may notice that your child is not producing tears at all, even when crying. This can be the sign of a blocked tear duct, which needs some extra medical attention.

Excessive tearing in babies is called "overflow tearing." Overflow tearing is a common problem, especially since about a third of all infants are actually born with more tears and mucus than they typically need. The tear duct will open in order to allow these extra tears to flow. The issue generally goes away over a period of a few months. Sometimes overflow tearing needs to be addressed by an eye MD to ensure that it is not a sign of a more serious problem such as congenital glaucoma.

If you are concerned about the amount of tears your baby is producing, it is essential that you take your child to the doctor. Most situations are minor and easily treated, but you’ll want to rule out an unusual or serious condition that may require professional therapy.

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