Red eyes in babies can be a sign that he is sleepy. Even though I see, this condition can't be underestimated, because tesometimes baby's eyes are red also can signify existencecertain conditions or diseases.
Pink eye is one of the most common eye problems in babies. Some causes of pink eye in babies are harmless, but others can be contagious and need to be checked by a doctor immediately. Treatment or handling of red eye in infants also should not be arbitrary, but must be adjusted to the cause.
Causes and Treatment of Red Eyes in Babies
Here are some common causes of pink eye in babies and how to treat them:
1. Conjunctivitis
This condition is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the colored part pink on the inner side of the eyelid. Initially, conjunctivitis can occur in one eye, then spread to the other eye. Treatment of pink eye in infants due to conjunctivitis needs to be adjusted according to the main cause.
Based on the cause, conjunctivitis in infants can be categorized into 3 types, namely:
- Viral conjunctivitis
It is the most common cause of conjunctivitis and is contagious. Generally, viral conjunctivitis subsides in about 1 week.
To help relieve complaints in the baby's eyes, treatment can be done by washing the baby's eyes using warm water or giving a warm compress to the baby's eyes using a soft cloth. Don't forget to wash your hands before and after doing this treatment.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
If caused by bacteria, the baby's eyes usually secrete a thick yellow fluid, so the eyelids can't be opened (belekan). Babies can also become fussy and look uncomfortable.
Red eyes in babies due to bacterial infection need to be treated using antibiotic eye drops or antibiotic ointment as prescribed by a doctor. Avoid sharing the medicine with other people, and wash your hands before and after giving the medicine to the baby's eyes.
In certain cases, conjunctivitis in infants due to bacterial infection can be caused by serious infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Allergic conjunctivitis
In contrast to conjunctivitis due to viral or bacterial infection, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. However, babies with red eyes due to allergies may find their eyes very itchy, so they become more fussy and like to rub their eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by substances that trigger allergies or allergens, such as dust, animal dander, fleas, to chemicals in certain products, such as baby soap or shampoo. Baby red eyes caused by allergies need to be treated with anti-allergic drugs and avoid triggering factors.
2. Eye irritation
Red eyes in babies can be caused by irritation. Triggers for eye irritation can vary, including dust, perfume, and pollution, such as smog or cigarette smoke.
Not only turning red, eye irritation can also make baby's eyes itchy and watery (many tears). If you experience red eyes due to irritation, your little one needs to get treatment in the form of eye drops.
3. Cough and cold
Cough and cold can also cause red eyes in babies. Complaints of red eyes due to coughing and colds, for example in ARI or flu, can disappear after the condition is cured.
However, take your child to the doctor if he has red eyes accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, infrequent or no peeing at all, shortness of breath, does not stop coughing, weakness, or becomes very fussy or cries a lot.
4. Broken blood vessels
Pink eye in babies can also be caused by the rupture of a blood vessel just under the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that covers the eye). The blood that comes out cannot be absorbed immediately by the conjunctiva, resulting in red eyes.
If it occurs in newborns, this condition can be caused by pressure on the eyes during delivery. Red eyes due to ruptured blood vessels are actually harmless and will subside on their own within 1-2 weeks. If your little one's eyes are still red after 2 weeks, see a doctor immediately.
Pink eye caused by viral conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own within a few days, without any treatment. However, if the complaint of red eyes is accompanied by other symptoms, you should check your little one to an eye doctor to get the right treatment.